Cultural Heritage

This impressing stone block (5.6 meters, 25 tons) at the border of the cantons Vaud and Fribourg is the biggest foundling in Switzerland. It goes back to between 4500 and 1500 BC and shows a stylised version of a human shape.

Ranging from a family kitchen to a notary’s study, from a bourgeois salon to a peasant’s hard work, all the objects exhibited in this historic building bear witness to life in former times. Don’t miss the illuminated model of Moudon in the 15th century.

Perched on a hill, this military fortress is made of two distinct parts: the gothic castle (13th century) and the Bernese castle (16th century). Today in private hands, it can be rented for events. Temporarily open for visits.

This fortress houses an 18th-century apartment notable for its 18,000-volume library, where you may learn about the life of Ancien Régime aristocrats. Open from April through September.

An internationally-known naturalist painter, Eugène Burnand (Moudon 1850 – Paris 1921) made a strong impression on his contemporaries. Some 100 of his works are exposed here.

Maintained by an association whose aim is to preserve old crafts and their tools, this lovely Jorat farm is furnished in a traditional way. During markets and festivals, they perform old craftsmanship.

Vehicles, helmets, uniforms… in addition to a panoply of items from five continents, this museum outlines the history of fire brigades from the 19th century to the present.

Galerie Aux Arts et Cetera, une galerie pour tous les amateurs d'art d'ici et d'ailleurs.

The primary goal of the Cadratin workshop is to preserve the heritage of the typographic craft. It is one of the largest letterpress workshops in Switzerland.

First mentioned in 965 as property of the bishops of Lausanne, the town became the residence of the bailiffs of Moudon during the Bernese rule. It boasts a 13th-century castle, the 14th-century Saint Agnes chapel, townhouses from the 16th to the 18th century and an octagonal fountain from the 18th-century.

At Moudon’s site, the company develops innovative packaging solutions and cardboard display units. A worthwhile experience during a guided tour.

Guided tours – information and reservations: Moudon Tourist Office

The largest parish church in the canton, Saint-Étienne was built by the Savoy counts from the late 13th century onwards and is remarkable for its splendid gothic architecture, its wall paintings and its choir stalls from 1501-1502 as well as its organ from 1764, the oldest in the canton.

A sign-posted historic trail invites visitors to discover 26 of the most impressive monuments of the old capital. Two important periods of the nearly 600 years of history are particularly well-represented: the Savoy sovereignty and the Bernese occupation.

First a Helvetian town before the arrival of the Romans, later the capital of Vaud under the Dukes of Savoy (1260 to 1536) and later Bernese bailiwick, Moudon can be proud of its rich architectural heritage. The upper town is ranked as site of national interest.

Aux amateurs de culture et de terroir, souhaitant découvrir de manière particulière la ville et ses environs, Moudon Région Tourisme propose des visites guidées de Moudon et environs à vélo électrique.

Displayed with great care, the 4,000 items which make up this unique collection, illustrate the daily life of local peasants between 1850 and 1950.

In 2004, ornamental iron-worker Vincent Desmeules took over this traditional village forge. A sculpture park and a small exhibition of contemporary iron objects can be visited for free.

14 signposts present the most important buildings of this little town: Castel (13th century), castellany (16th century), Church of St. Nicholas (18th century).

«Europe’s smallest city» has been founded by the Savoy in the 13th century. The castellany in the beginning depended to the bailiff of Moudon and from 1536 to Fribourg. Castel (13th century), castellany (16th century), Church of St. Nicholas (18th century) and various buildings from the 17th to the 19th century.

As first manufacturer of glass wool for construction and industry in Switzerland, the Isover company in 1939 settled in Lucens. A guided tour explains the production process of over 30’000 tons of glass wool per year.

Visit – information and reservation: Moudon Tourist Office

The origins of this church go back to 1050. Its 13th-century nave is painted with murals. The choir is for the 16th-century. One of its most remarkable features is the arcaded bell tower.

The characteristic feature of this collection lies in displaying only «original» items. Personal objects and authentic memorabilia of Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the adventures of the famous private detective, faithfully render the atmosphere of his works.

The Estrée is a dynamical cultural space on three floors, which for the past 30 years has been presenting sales exhibitions of contemporary artists, concerts, literature cafés and plays. You can visit the boutiques and a permanent gallery all year round. This space is for rent for private cultural events.

Come and visit the historic town of Moudon during a guided tour - from its iconic church Saint-Etienne to the hidden treasures of the Ville-Haute (uptown), followed by a drink in the shade on one of the beautiful terraces.

The workshop and gallery of artists Mélanie and Daniel also provide an exhibition venue for emerging artists.