Temple Saint-Luc

Temple Saint-Luc in Lausanne is a Protestant church completed in 1940 in the Pontaise district, west of the city centre. It is a listed example of interwar religious architecture in the canton of Vaud and a local landmark with an unusual second life as a community venue.

Where is Temple Saint-Luc?

The building stands at rue de la Pontaise 33, on the corner of avenue Jomini, at roughly 46.531° N, 6.629° E. Pontaise is a residential neighbourhood northwest of Lausanne's old town. It is a short public transport ride from the centre, and a sensible stop if you want to see a part of the city that most visitors skip.

Who built it, and when?

Construction ran from 1938 to 1940 to plans by architects Eugène Beboux and Paul Lavenex. Lavenex is known across Vaud for designing several Protestant churches and renovating nearly thirty more; Saint-Luc counts among his significant works. The plot was sold to the national church by the Eglise libre, a separate Protestant body that had previously run its own chapel on the site.

What is there to see?

The standout detail is the bull sculpture. In Christian tradition the bull represents the evangelist Luke, the church's namesake. It was carved under the direction of sculptor Edouard Sandoz. The interior was restored in 1965, again under Lavenex. The sober volumes of the building are typical of how Swiss Protestant congregations built in the years before the Second World War.

Is it still a church?

The City of Lausanne chose to convert the temple into a neighbourhood centre (maison de quartier). An architecture competition selected the proposal by Deillon Delley, a firm from Bulle, which adds an extension while preserving the temple's architectural identity. The budget was close to CHF 10 million, with keys due to be handed to residents and local associations in autumn 2013. Check the city or parish website for current events and opening times before you go.

Frequently asked questions

When was Temple Saint-Luc built? Between 1938 and 1940, from plans by Eugène Beboux and Paul Lavenex.

What does the bull on the building mean? It symbolises Saint Luke, after whom the church is named. Edouard Sandoz directed the sculpting.

Is the building protected? Yes. It is listed in the architectural heritage inventory, and the conversion project was designed to retain its character.

Where exactly is it? At rue de la Pontaise 33, at the corner of avenue Jomini, in Lausanne's Pontaise district.