one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL gothic architecture in Europe (read description)

Lausanne Cathedral, built in the 12th and 13th centuries, is a major Gothic edifice and the largest in Switzerland, consecrated in 1275 by Pope Gregory X, and became protestant in 1536, with a renowned organ and a tradition of a night watchman.

🎹 The great pipe organ of the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne was inaugurated in December 2003. It is a unique instrument in the world. It took ten years to design it and it is composed of 7000 pipes, two consoles, five manuals, and one pedalboard. It cost over six million Swiss francs.

🕰️ Every evening, Lausanne’s night watch climbs to the top of the ancient cathedral bell tower to call out the time each hour, keeping alive a 600-year-old tradition. For the first time in 2021, the job is now held by a woman.

Between the building of the spectacular Gothic cathedral in 1275 and the 17th century, six major fires destroyed large parts of the city, killing hundreds of people. The night watch’s original job description was therefore to keep a look out for tell-tale signs of smoke, to sound the alarm, if needed, and to announce the time on the hour.

In 1880 the decision was taken to end fire surveillance, but someone was still needed to wind up the ancient 15th-century cathedral clock. Since then, the town’s authorities have been firm supporters of the ceremonial post.