The Cathedral of Saint Ursus dominates Solothurn from its raised position above the old town, its Neoclassical facade with Corinthian pilasters and flanking towers the most prominent building in the city. Built between 1762 and 1773 by the architect Gaetano Matteo Pisoni from Ascona, it replaced an earlier Gothic church on the same site and represents the high point of the French-funded building programme that transformed Solothurn during the 18th century.
The interior is spacious, white, and luminous. The nave ceiling carries stucco relief work and there are good side altars, though the overall effect is restrained compared to the more exuberant Baroque interiors further south. The crypt beneath the high altar contains the presumed remains of Ursus himself. The steps outside the main entrance — a ceremonial staircase with balustrades and stone urns — are a favourite meeting place for Solothurn residents.