Lausanne Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Lausanne Cathedral is built of soft sandstone called molasse. Its west front has three pointed arches: the left one holds a dark carved wooden balcony on a pale stone base, reached by a curved stone stair with a pierced balustrade. Two round pillars support the arches, and the two right-hand arches contain tall pointed-arch stained-glass windows in blue, red, yellow and white showing figures under canopies. Below the windows runs a band of small trefoil arches on colonnettes, and rows of wooden chairs with straw seats stand on the floor.
Begun around 1170 under an unknown master mason, the building was resumed twenty years later and largely completed by Jean Cotereel, who added the porch and two towers, one left unfinished. Pope Gregory X consecrated it to the Virgin Mary on 20 October 1275, in the presence of Rudolf of Habsburg. Fires in 1235 and shortly before 1320 caused heavy damage; in 1536 the Bernese imposed the Reformation and the cathedral became Protestant.
The south transept houses a rose window filled with medieval medallions that showcase the religious artistry of its time. Visitors can spend time examining the intricate details and symbolic imagery that fill this part of the interior.
Visitors can climb the tower for views over the city and lake below. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, and light conditions inside vary depending on the time of day and weather.
The lookout calls the hour in each cardinal direction with the phrase « C'est le guet, il a sonné [dix] ». Renato Häusler, chosen in 2002 from 58 applicants, held the post until his planned retirement in 2024, and Cassandre Berdoz became the first female lookout as deputy in 2021.
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