Château Saint-Maire

Château Saint-Maire in Lausanne is a fortified former bishops' residence that has housed the government of the canton of Vaud since 1803. It crowns the hill of the old town, beside the cathedral, and is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.

What is Château Saint-Maire?

The castle was raised around 1400 as both a home and a stronghold for the bishops of Lausanne. Work began about 1397 under Bishop Guillaume de Menthonay and was finished under his successor Guillaume de Challant. Sources disagree on the completion date, placing it anywhere between roughly 1406 and 1430. The canton of Vaud notes that the brick defensive structure was probably designed by Italian master builders invited by Bishop Challant. The name honours Saint Marius, the bishop who moved the diocesan seat from Avenches to Lausanne in the 6th century.

How did its role change over time?

Bern conquered Vaud in 1536, and the last prince-bishop, Sébastien de Montfalcon, fled on 13 May that year. Bernese bailiffs then ruled from the castle until 1798. When the canton of Vaud was founded in 1803, the building was chosen to host its authorities. Today it is home to the Council of State, the cantonal executive, and the State Chancellery. It was classified as a historic monument in 1920.

What can you see there?

The interior is used for government work and is closed to visitors, so a visit means admiring the building from outside. The best views are from the square in front of the castle and from the lanes around the cathedral. Look for the compact red-brick volume, unusual among the region's castles, and the heavy defensive walls. It fits naturally into a walk through medieval Lausanne: the cathedral is next door, and the town hall and Place de la Palud are a short stroll away.

How do you get there, and when should you go?

The castle sits in the upper old town at about 46.525 N, 6.636 E. From the railway station it is a climb of roughly fifteen minutes on foot, or ride the metro to Flon and walk up. Since only the exterior is open to view, there are no tickets or opening hours. Weekday mornings are quiet, and the low light brings out the colour of the brickwork.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside? No. The castle is the seat of the cantonal government and is closed to the public.

Who works here today? The Council of State of Vaud, the cantonal government, and the State Chancellery.

Is this the same as Lausanne Cathedral? No. The cathedral is a separate church next door. Château Saint-Maire was a secular bishops' residence and is now an administrative building.

How long should I allow? Fifteen to twenty minutes for the exterior, ideally combined with the cathedral and the old town.