Lausanne Town Hall

Lausanne Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) sits on Place de la Palud in the old town of Lausanne, in the Swiss canton of Vaud. A 17th-century landmark, it still serves as the seat of the city's communal authorities, which makes it both a working institution and one of the city's key heritage sites.

Who built it, and when?

The present building went up between 1673 and 1675, designed by the Lausanne architect Abraham de Crousaz. It rests on the foundations of earlier town halls, so the spot has housed civic power for far longer than the current structure has stood. The city itself calls it the most interesting piece of 17th-century Vaudois architecture, and it is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national significance.

What can you see there?

From the square you notice the arcades at ground level and the broad roof typical of the Vaud region, with a belfry rising above. In earlier centuries that belfry doubled as an alarm: its bells warned townspeople of danger. The ground floor was originally a grain market, so the building combined government, trade and warning-system roles under one roof.

Place de la Palud itself is among the most recognisable corners of the old town. Its fountain, crowned with a statue of Justice, is considered the oldest in Lausanne. Standing in the middle of the square gives the best view of fountain and town hall together.

How do you get there?

The square lies in the historic centre, a short walk from the cathedral and the main lanes of the old town. The old town is built on hills, so streets and stairways leading up are steep; going on foot is easier than driving. The coordinates are roughly 46.522 N, 6.633 E.

When should you visit?

Because the building is an active administrative seat, most visitors admire it from the outside and from the square. Daylight shows off the facade and roof best, and the square works as a stop in any season. Since municipal staff work inside, check access rules with the Lausanne tourist office before planning a visit indoors.

Frequently asked questions

When was Lausanne Town Hall built? Between 1673 and 1675, on the foundations of previous town halls.

Who designed it? Abraham de Crousaz, an architect from Lausanne.

Is it still used as a government building? Yes, it houses the city's communal authorities.

What else is nearby? The Justice fountain on Place de la Palud, regarded as the oldest in the city, along with the other sights of the old town.