🕍 Lausanne Cathedral – A Gothic Masterpiece Overlooking Lake Geneva

#westerneurope 🕍Lausanne Cathedral (French: Cathédrale de Lausanne) is one of the most impressive Gothic churches in Switzerland, and a landmark of Lausanne’s old town. Perched on a hill, it overlooks the city with stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, making it both a spiritual center and a historical jewel. 🏰 Quick Overview 📍 Location: Old Town, Lausanne, Switzerland 🏛️ Style: Gothic, with Romanesque origins ⛪ Denomination: Originally Catholic, now Protestant (Reformed) 🕰️ Construction: Began in 1170, consecrated in 1275 ✨Highlights 🕍 1. Architecture One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Switzerland. Features: ✨A massive rose window with medieval stained glass. ✨Ornate arches and ribbed vaults. ✨A striking façade with detailed carvings. ✨Five towers, including a large belfry that dominates the city skyline. 🔭 2. Tower Climb & Views Climb the 224 steps to the top of the bell tower for sweeping views of: ✨Lausanne rooftops ✨Lake Geneva ✨The Alps in the distance 🎨 3. Interior & Rose Window The 13th-century rose window (8.05 m in diameter) is a masterpiece, depicting the medieval world view with over 100 scenes from heaven to earth. The Great Organ, installed in 2003, is a unique blend of classical and modern design — with 7,000+ pipes. 🕰️ Visiting Information 🕒 Hours: Usually open daily (daylight hours) 🎟️ Admission: Free for general visit; small fee for tower 🚉 Nearest station: Lausanne-Flon or Lausanne main station 🗺️ Access: Reachable via steep old-town streets or metro/escalator systems #switzerland #lausanne #lausannecathedral