Of Water and Cheese – The Lausanne Cathedral
The Lausanne Cathedral stands at the highest point of Lausanne’s Old Town. Overlooking the City of Lausanne, the Cathedral enables a view of the Lake and the Alps afar as well. Its long history furthermore provides a vantage point of spiritual and cultural significance.
The Cathedral was constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries. In 1275, Pope Gregory X and Rudolf of Habsburg consecrated the cathedral. In 1536, it became a Protestant cathedral during the Reformation era. Pierre Viret, the first Reformer of Lausanne, has studied alongside John Calvin. Following the adoption of Protestantism, the formerly very ornate Cathedral suffered from Reformist iconoclasm.[1]
I have little understanding of the architectural and interior features of the Cathedral, but I did notice the beautiful windows with colorful panes. The decorated windows depict the “medieval view of the world arranged around the figure of God the creator.”[2]
Perhaps the most special feature of the Lausanne Cathedral is the watchman. For more than six hundred years, a watchman would climb hundreds of steps up the Bell Tower every evening. He would announce to the city residents each hour from 10pm to 2am, shouting at each cardinal direction. Originally, the watchman served the function of warning the city in case of emergency. Gradually however, it has become a tradition that never ceased. Currently, the lookout is Renato Hausler.[3]
Finally, the organ of the Lausanne Cathedral is itself worthy of a visit. A product of organ builder Fisk, an American company, the organ prides itself in 7,396 pipes, 5 keyboards and pedalboards, and 2 consoles.[4] Four styles of organ building are present: French classical and symphonic, and German baroque and romantic. Giugiaro, the Italian designer known for Ferrari and Maserati cars, designed the case of this organ. The design symbolizes an angel with spread wings. As such, this organ is the first organ in the world that was designed. Last, but not least, the organ inaugurated in 2003, and the Cathedral holds concerts periodically. Twenty-five recitals coincide with the Christian calendar.[5] Concert programs are available here.
Today, the City of Lausanne is perhaps the best known for the Lausanne Movement of 1974. It is a contemporary movement in world evangelization. Billy Graham initiated the first Congress. Delegations from around the world still meet periodically for the International Congress for World Evangelization, where they pray and discuss strategies for world Christian missions.
These following are the pictures of a quick first tour of the Lausanne Old Town following the Lausanne Cathedral.
[1] First Protestant University in French-Speaking Europe.
[2] Lausanne Cathedral, Lausanne Tourisme.
[3] Renato Hausler, Watchman, at craftsmanship.net.
[4] The Instrument, Les Grandes Orgues, Cathedrale de Lausanne.
[5] Visit of the Organ, Les Grandes Orgues, Cathedrale de Lausanne.