Motty

The Reformed Church of Le Motty in Ecublens (canton of Vaud) is the old parish church of a municipality just west of Lausanne, and one of the oldest sites in the area. The Swiss inventory of cultural property (KGS no. 06484) lists it, and its story runs back to Roman times.

What is Le Motty?

Le Motty is the hamlet that served for centuries as the administrative and religious centre of Ecublens. The commune also takes in Renges, Bassenges, Villars, Epenex and the Dorigny estate. The place name first appears around 958–959, and again in 964 in a record about the property of Lausanne Cathedral. The church sits outside the old village core, on the rise that gave the district its name.

How old is the church?

The site was in use long before the present building. A Roman mausoleum stood here, and from the 5th–6th century a series of churches replaced one another on the spot. A church dedicated to the Virgin Mary is recorded as early as 885. The core of today's structure dates from around 1200. The bell tower was reworked in 1630–1631, and north arcades added in 1910–1913 enlarged the nave. Sources also mention a chapel of 1156 belonging to the priory of Saint-Sulpice and a parish church of St Peter recorded in 1228.

What will you see?

• A medieval church body with additions from several centuries.
• A bell tower with 17th-century alterations.
• Early 20th-century arcades on the north side.
• Nearby history: a motte (earthen castle mound of uncertain date) in the commune, and the Loys manor at Dorigny, built around 1770.

How do you get there?

Ecublens lies in the Lausanne urban area between Lausanne and Renens, next to the EPFL and University of Lausanne campuses. From central Lausanne it is typically a short trip by public transport or car. The church stands at roughly 46.526 N, 6.562 E, an easy walk from the centre of Ecublens.

When should you visit?

Daylight hours from spring to autumn suit a walk around the commune and the church exterior, which you can see at any time. Inside, a Reformed parish church is mainly open for services and parish events, so check the parish's notices before planning a visit.

Who is it for?

The church suits readers of archaeology and church architecture, and anyone looking for a quieter corner of the Lausanne region. The stop is short, so it combines easily with a day at EPFL or on Lake Geneva.

Frequently asked questions

Is Le Motty a church or a village? Both names are in use. Le Motty is the hamlet in Ecublens, and the Reformed church is commonly named after it.

How old is the building? The present structure dates from about 1200. A church of St Mary is recorded from 885, and Roman mausoleum remains lie beneath.

Is it the same as the Château de la Motte? No. That is a separate archaeological site in the commune, the remains of a motte of uncertain date.

Is there an entrance fee? No fee information is published. Opening times are set by the parish.