750th Anniversary of Lausanne Cathedral: Innovation Meets Tradition

• Lausanne Cathedral’s anniversary ceremony will take place on 20th October 2025
• New sustainable, adaptive lighting installation highlights the Cathedral’s architectural splendour while minimising light pollution
• A new nightwatchman (and the city’s first ever watchwoman) have joined the city’s traditional night watch, who have kept watch over Lausanne from the Cathedral for over 600 years

Lausanne, Switzerland – In 2025, the iconic Lausanne Cathedral will mark its 750th anniversary with a series of celebratory events, inviting locals and visitors to rediscover this architectural marvel. The celebrations will feature the unveiling of cutting-edge lighting installations and pay homage to the cathedral’s historic traditions, ensuring this milestone is remembered for generations to come.

Innovative Lighting Installations

As part of the celebrations, a new exterior lighting plan will be unveiled during the year. Created by the French firm L’Acte Lumière, this modern design highlights the cathedral’s façade with varying hues that shift with the time of day while minimising light pollution. These enhancements aim to both honor the cathedral’s historic significance and embrace contemporary sustainability practices.

Grand Events to Mark the Milestone

The 750th anniversary celebrations are anchored by two major events. On 28th February, the festivities will open with the inauguration of a new interior lighting system, designed to enhance the cathedral’s architectural beauty. On 20th October, the cathedral will commemorate its consecration anniversary with a special ceremony. Both occasions promise to be unforgettable moments for locals and visitors alike.

A Tradition Continues with a New Night Watchman

A historic tradition dating back to 1405 is being upheld by Alexandre Schmid, the cathedral’s newest night watchman. Schmid calls the hour from the bell tower every night between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., connecting Lausanne to its past while offering a living link to the city’s history. The city’s first female night watchman, Cassandre Berdoz, joined in 2021 at just 27 years old. 

“The tradition of the watch fascinates many people, even my friends! I didn’t think that taking up my post would be met with such enthusiasm!” Alexandre Schmidt commented on his appointment. “The watch is a silent presence, a timeless figure. No particular talent is needed for this job - just a deep love for Lausanne.”

Tourists can join Alexandre in the 40m high belfry and see the night watchman at work every night from 10pm onward - simply call +41 21 312 74 91 from 10:15pm to book your slot. 

A Historic Landmark

Consecrated in 1275 by Pope Gregory X, Lausanne Cathedral has stood as a beacon of Gothic architecture and spiritual significance for 750 years. The largest early Gothic church in Switzerland, the cathedral is known for its intricate craftsmanship, stunning stained glass windows, and magnificent Fisk organ - the first American pipe organ installed in a European cathedral. This five-manual, one hundred-nine stop organ includes 7,313 pipes, and its case - the first one ever to be designed by famous car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro - is an unusual mix of Classical French, Romantic French, Symphonic French, and North German baroque styles. 

Over the centuries, the Cathedral has become a cherished symbol of Lausanne and a key destination for visitors from around the globe.

For more information on the celebrations and event schedule, please visit Lausanne Cathedral’s official website.

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For media enquiries please contact Alexandra Liste: alexandra.liste@lemongrassmarketing.com / 01865 237 997 

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Editors notes

Capital of the Canton of Vaud and 4th largest city in Switzerland, Lausanne shines through in its dynamism and openness, as well as its sporting, cultural and food offering.

Lausanne Tourisme acts as a point of call for the city at the national and international level, by inviting travellers to discover the charm of the city of Lausanne.