Château Saint-Maire

Château Saint-Maire is a rectangular fortress positioned at the highest point of Lausanne's rocky promontory, constructed with brick upper walls and sandstone foundations. The structure spans multiple floors and contains numerous rooms that serve administrative functions today.

The fortress was built between 1397 and 1425 under Bishop Guillaume of Menthonay and served as the residence of Lausanne's bishops until 1536. After the Reformation, it transitioned to secular use and became the region's administrative center.

This fortress has served as the seat of Vaud's cantonal government since 1803 and hosts the State Council meetings. From the outside, you can sense its role as the center of regional political authority.

The fortress sits at Place du Château in the Cité district and remains closed to public visits, though you can view it from the outside. The location is easily reached on foot from Lausanne's city center and offers good views from surrounding streets.

The fortress features modified Ghibelline merlons that were filled during the 16th century to strengthen the structure. Windows were also fitted below the eaves to handle the region's damp climate.

Location: canton Vaud

Location: Lausanne

Inception: 1397

Made from material: brick, sandstone

Part of: list of cultural properties in Lausanne

Address: Place du Château 4

GPS coordinates: 46.52486,6.63571

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:00