Lausanne

Lausanne (pop. 117,500), city in western Switzerland, on the north shore of Lake Geneva. An ancient Celtic, then Roman, settlement, it was a bishopric from A.D.590 until 1536, when it was defeated by Bern, which established Protestantism. The Bernese retained power until 1798, and in 1803 Lausanne became the capital of the new Vaud canton. It is a cultural, industrial, and tourist center. The Flon and Louve rivers flow through the city. Historic features include the Cathedral of Notre-Dame (consecrated 1275) and the tower of the former Bishop's Palace, now a history museum.

See also: Switzerland.