Synagogue de Lausanne

The Synagogue of Lausanne is the main synagogue of the city's Jewish community, in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It stands in central Lausanne near Avenue de Florimont, and the building is listed as a Cultural Property of National Significance.

What is the Synagogue of Lausanne?

It is a working house of prayer for Lausanne's Jewish congregation and one of the city's notable early twentieth-century religious buildings. Under the Swiss heritage inventory it belongs to the highest category of protection, reserved for sites of national importance.

How did it come to be built?

Jews have lived in Lausanne continuously since the mid-nineteenth century. Around 1848 a few families gathered in a rented room, and later the community set up its first synagogue on rue du Grand-Chêne. That space eventually proved too small, and a larger building was needed.

The new synagogue was made possible by a bequest from Daniel Iffla-Osiris, a French patron who left funds for a house of worship for the Lausanne community. The foundation stone was laid in 1909, and the building was inaugurated on 7 November 1910. It was designed by the architects Charles-François Bonjour, Oscar Oulevey and Adrien van Dorsser.

Why visit?

For anyone who likes architecture, it is a good example of building from the early 1900s, a time when Lausanne was expanding and gaining new landmark buildings. The synagogue belongs to the "Lausanne 1900" architectural heritage the city promotes. The congregation marked the building's hundredth anniversary in 2010, and a major restoration took place in 2015.

A short history of the community

In 1927 Jules Ptaschek became Lausanne's first rabbi. From 1948 to 1990 the community was led by Georges Vadnaï, a period of strong growth during which a mikveh and a Jewish school were established.

Practical information

• Location: Lausanne, canton of Vaud, Switzerland; the address is given as 1 Avenue de Florimont (some sources place it at the corner with Avenue Juste-Olivier).
• Coordinates: about 46.516 N, 6.638 E.
• Visiting: this is an active synagogue, so entering usually requires contacting the community in advance or joining special events such as the European Heritage Days. Check current rules before you go.
• Etiquette: dress modestly, and respect services on the Sabbath and holidays.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Synagogue of Lausanne built? The foundation stone was laid in 1909 and it was inaugurated in November 1910.

Who designed it? Charles-François Bonjour, Oscar Oulevey and Adrien van Dorsser.

Is it a protected monument? Yes, it is a Cultural Property of National Significance.

Can I go inside? It is a place of worship. Visits generally need to be arranged with the community or made during heritage events.

Where is it? In central Lausanne, near Avenue de Florimont.

The synagogue suits visitors interested in Swiss Jewish history, early twentieth-century architecture, and a quieter side of the city on Lake Geneva. Since interior access is limited, the easiest way to see it is from the street during a walk through the neighbourhood.