The Lausanne Organ: Bringing Modern and Ancient Together

The stunning city of Lausanne is one bursting with historical significance. Home to The Cathedral of Notre Dame, Lausanne is believed to have Switzerland’s most noteworthy Gothic architectural gem. A marvellously accurate example of Gothic style and character, the Cathedral is a vision of beauty. Apart from the wonderful building itself of course, The Cathedral of Notre Dame houses the remarkable and justly famous organ.

The Discovery of The Cathedral

What you see when you visit the Cathedral today is actually the unfinished project. Although construction started in 1175 and the church was consecrated a hundred years later, the building was never completed. Despite this fact, however, there is still much to be admired. From afar, the towers dominate the outline of the Cathedral but when you get close up close it is the elaborate and complex features surrounding the portals that draw the attention.

Historically speaking, the tower is probably the most significant. Every night a watchman sits at the top of this tower calling out the hour throughout the night, just as a watchman has done ever since the church was built. This tradition is one that hails from medieval times and one that has died out in many other cities.

Inside the cathedral in the dramatic vault your eye forgives the lack of artwork which has all been ripped out, and instead turns to the fabulous centre piece: the organ.

The World Famous Organ of Lausanne

Weighing in at a colossal forty tonnes, housing seven thousand pipes and costing six million Swiss francs to build, this organ is one of a kind. Showcasing Classical, Symphonic and Romantic French styles as well as German baroque, the construction of the instrument involved expertise from six countries.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Lausanne organ is that it quite boldly brings an element of modernity and technology into an otherwise ancient building. The very existence of the organ depended wholly on sending information between the American company that built it, the Italian craftsmen who designed it and the engineers who installed it in the Cathedral. Without modern information technology and the development of the high-speed Internet, this organ would have never been an option. So the cathedral’s special organ is testament to how modern ways of doing things and the use of technology can work together to maintain strong cultural traditions - in this case a musical instrument.

Switzerland is famed for its orchestra performances, and one of the reasons the Cathedral was originally built was as a space for concerts. Today’s organ is therefore not only a contemporary and artistic symbol of modernity but also a continuation of a deep rooted tradition.

How To Get to Lausanne

Geneva is the closest airport to Lausanne and an international hub for travellers visiting the region and surrounding area. Receiving flights from most major European cities, including London, Geneva is convenient and easy to access. From Geneva airport, taxis can be taken direct to Lausanne and can be booked in advance and on a private or shared basis.

If you prefer to drive yourself, you’ll need to hire a car at the airport and take the A1, E25 or E26 for the 45-minute trip. Train travel involves two stops, which may not be convenient if you are travelling with luggage or small children. For the most seamless and stress free transfer to Lausanne from Geneva airport, taxis booked with a reputable Company are the best option.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for affordable Geneva Airport taxi, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.