The night watchman of Lausanne Cathedral One of the most unusual attractions of Lausanne, which never fails to fascinate visitors, is the appearance of a night watchman high up in the tower of the cathedral. 365 days a year, year in year out, he calls out the hours of the night from his vantage point some 75 metres up in the tower. Between the hours of ten o' clock at night and two o' clock in the morning, he calls out the hour in the direction of north, south, east and west. The tradition dates back nearly six centuries to 1405 when, as in many other European cities, it was the watchman's duty to sound the alert in the event of danger or disaster, whether manmade or natural. In Lausanne, the watchman also patrolled the city streets on Sundays, calling for strict silence to be observed during religious services. This year has seen the appointment of a new night watchman - 43-year-old Renato Haeusler. Having already deputised as watchman on a number of occasions, he is well acquainted with the duties he has to perform. And as a part-time sports teacher, he has the necessary physical qualifications. Despite the cosy comforts of his little room high up in the Cathedral tower (complete with bed, telephone, radio and television), he often has to climb up and down the 160 steps to welcome visitors and take them on a tour of the tower.

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