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    Tourist Attractions in Lausanne

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Lausanne. Photos and a brief description.

    Lausanne
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    About Lausanne

    Lausanne is a large pearl from a necklace of picturesque cities located on the shores of Lake Geneva. It is spread out among well-groomed grape terraces and green alpine meadows. Like most Swiss cities, Lausanne gives the impression of a quiet haven where you want to settle down after a stormy and eventful life.

    The city is literally surrounded by greenery, there are several parks and squares on its relatively small territory, offering panoramic views of the Alps and the lake. There are a lot of historical attractions in Lausanne. Tourists will definitely be interested in walking along the Uschi embankment or the central Palu Square, a visit to the Lausanne Opera and a trip to the ancient cathedral.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Lausanne

    Lake Geneva

    The largest lake in Central Europe and one of the most picturesque. Its clear water reflects the snow-capped peaks and wooded slopes of the Alps. The northern part of the reservoir belongs to Switzerland, there is a resort area with first–class hotels and private residences - a real "Swiss Riviera". Among the locals, the name "Lake Leman" is more in use. On its shores are Geneva, Lausanne, as well as the resorts of Montreux, Yverdon-les-Bains and Vevey.

    Lake Geneva
    Embankment of the Ears

    Embankment of the Ears

    A walking street of Lausanne, located on the shores of Lake Geneva. The embankment extends beyond the city and connects it with the neighboring Morges and Montreux. In the local harbor there is a marina where yachts are moored, and a pier from where pleasure boats depart along the lake. Tame swans and seagulls swim near the shore, which are constantly fed by tourists. The embankment offers a magnificent view of the picturesque mountain ranges.

    Palu Square

    The main square of the historical part of Lausanne, surrounded by houses of the XVII-XIX centuries. In the middle there is a multi-colored fountain of Justice of the XVI century. Twice a week, a market takes place on the square, which is visited even by chefs of famous restaurants to buy the best quality products here. A pedestrian zone is organized around the Palu, covering the streets adjacent to the square.

    Palu Square
    Ryumin Palace

    Ryumin Palace

    A luxurious palace of the early XX century, built in the neo-Renaissance style by architect G. Andre. It was built at the expense of Gabriel Ryumin, a native of a family of Russian immigrants, who bequeathed 1.5 million francs to the city. Until 1980, the University of Lausanne was located here. Now the palace building houses museums dedicated to archeology, geology, history, art, as well as a library.

    Saint-Mer Castle

    Saint-Mer is the headquarters of the government of the Canton of Vaud. The castle was built in the XV century as a bishop's residence, but in 1536 it was confiscated from the church in favor of the state. Part of the interior has preserved the features of the Middle Ages (for example, the bishop's room with a Gothic fireplace decorated with stucco), the rest of the rooms have acquired a more modern look as a result of the reconstruction.

    Saint-Mer Castle
    Lock Ears

    Lock Ears

    In 1117, a tower was erected on the embankment of Lake Geneva by order of Bishop L. de Dune, which in the future was to become part of a powerful fortress. A few centuries later, the building was rebuilt into a bishop's residence. By the XIX century, nothing remained of the building due to a major fire. In 1885, the tower was restored, moreover, a full-fledged neo-Gothic palace was attached to it. Today, a luxury hotel is located on the territory of the castle of Ushi.

    Olympic Museum

    Temporary and permanent exhibitions of the museum are connected with the history of the Olympic movement. Most of the exhibits are interactive, that is, they seem to enter into a dialogue with visitors. In the museum you can read the diaries of the founder of the modern Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin. The exposition was created in 1993 on the initiative of the leadership of the International Olympic Committee.

    Olympic Museum
    Art Brut Collection

    Art Brut Collection

    The Art Brut contains the creations of mentally ill people, as well as those whom society considers marginal - vagabonds, criminals, clairvoyants, urban lunatics. The collection consists of exhibits collected by the artist Zh. Dubuffet, who himself created about 10 thousand paintings. The museum opened in 1972. Since then, his collection has been significantly expanded. At the moment it consists of several thousand copies.

    Museum D'lise

    The museum's collection is housed in a picturesque Baroque mansion. It is dedicated to the art of photography. Here, photographs are displayed, which can be used to track the development and improvement of this visual genre in Switzerland and the rest of Europe since its very appearance. The museum constantly hosts thematic exhibitions. There is a beautiful green park around the building, where you can take a walk after visiting the exposition.

    Museum D'lise
    Museum of the Hermitage Foundation

    Museum of the Hermitage Foundation

    The museum's exposition is located in a villa of the mid-XIX century, standing in the middle of a city park. It consists of several hundred canvases by local painters, as well as artists from other European countries. Sufficient attention is also paid to the works of modern masters. There are paintings by Udo, Bosien, Degas and Placenta. Every year the Hermitage organizes two or three international exhibitions.

    Museum of Modern Art "MUDAC"

    The museum's collection is located in the Maison-Godard mansion, the construction of which dates back to the second half of the XVII century. The exhibition consists of works by designers, illustrators, architects and fashion designers. In addition to two permanent exhibitions, temporary thematic vernissages on current topics are held here every day. Concerts, dance performances and performances are also held on the territory of the museum.

    Museum of Modern Art
    Lausanne Opera

    Lausanne Opera

    The opera house was built in 1871. At first, the stage was known as the "Casino Theater". Until 1971, operettas were mainly shown here, then they began to pay more attention to operas. The building was reconstructed in 1931, after which it acquired elements of the Art Deco style. Today, symphony concerts are held at the Lausanne Opera, works by famous composers are staged, as well as famous performers perform.

    Lausanne Cathedral

    A Gothic church of the XIII century, belonging to the Protestant denomination. In the XIX century under the leadership of E. Viollet-le-Duc was reconstructed, after which the appearance of the cathedral changed significantly. Due to the fragility of the stone from which the building was erected, the temple is constantly in need of restoration work. In the XVIII century, they even tried to demolish it for this reason and build a more durable structure.

    Lausanne Cathedral
    St. Francis Church

    St. Francis Church

    The church on the square of San Francois, built in the XIII century in the Gothic manner. In the XV century, a 56-meter bell tower was added to the church. Previously, a monastery of the Franciscan Order was located here, but gradually it became dilapidated and fell into disrepair. It was finally demolished at the beginning of the XX century. After the victory of the Reformation, unnecessary decorations were removed from the church, as a result of which the modern interior has a rather modest appearance.

    Railway station

    Lausanne railway station was built in the middle of the XIX century. The extant Art Nouveau building was erected in 1911-16 by a joint project of two architectural bureaus. Major reconstruction was carried out in the 1990s. Trains depart from the station in the direction of Geneva, Bern, Domodedovo and Olten, as well as high-speed trains to Milan and Paris. There is a metro station nearby.

    Railway station
    Sovabelen Tower

    Sovabelen Tower

    The tower is located in the park of the same name. Its height is 35 meters. The building is notable for the fact that one of the best viewing platforms is located here, offering a circular panorama of Lausanne, the Alps and the picturesque Lake Geneva. The tower was built in 2003 as a symbol of the new millennium. It is completely made of wood and covered with a copper roof. A spiral staircase leads to the top.

    Botanical Garden

    The garden was created in the XIX century as a vegetable garden of medicinal plants, where students of the University of Lausanne were to practice. Today it is one of the best places to walk and admire the panoramas of Lake Geneva. Fountains with drinking water and small ponds are scattered around the garden. Local specialists are working on the conservation and breeding of rare plant species.

    Botanical Garden
    Monrepos Park

    Monrepos Park

    Landscape park in the best traditions of English landscape design. Here you can admire exotic birds, wander among the trees and relax from worries. Previously, vineyards were located on the site of the park. Work on the development of the territory began in the XIX century. At that time, the ruins of an ancient amphitheater were discovered here, which later became an additional decoration of the Mon-Repo.

    Montbenon Esplanade

    A park in the heart of Lausanne, located in front of the city's Palace of Justice. It consists of green manicured lawns. The park is a wonderful observation deck from where you can admire the mirrored water of Lake Geneva and the mountain ranges of the Alps. Concerts and festivals are organized here in the summer. In the western part of the esplanade is the casino Montbenon, built at the beginning of the XX century.

    Montbenon Esplanade
    Lavo Terraced vineyards

    Lavo Terraced vineyards

    The gardens cover an area of 805 hectares on the northeastern shore of Lake Geneva. Grapes for the production of high-quality wine in this area were grown during the Roman Empire. Then the work was continued by the monks of the Order of St. Benedict. Lavo has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2007 as an example of a harmonious synthesis of nature and reasonable human economic activity.