For more than six centuries, a lone figure—part guard, part human angel—has circled the bell tower every night in the Cathedral of Lausanne, calling out the hour. For the last 28 years, it’s been Renato Häusler’s turn. High above the ancient city, Häusler calls out the time five nights a week. “C’est le guet! Il a sonné dix…Il a sonné dix!” (It’s the night watch. It’s 10 o’clock. It’s 10 o’clock…).

"The Watchman of Lausanne", written by Michael Cervin, originally appeared in Craftsmanship Quarterly, a multimedia online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. You can find many more stories, videos, audio recordings, and resources on our site.

Introduction by: Summer Brown
Narrated by: Leroy Graham
Produced by: Aaron Cundy
Music by: Mike Snowden of “The Cigar Box Guitar Maker.”