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 Island Monastery |
11 Rue Bourgelat Lyon 69002 France |
This basilica was constructed at the end of the 11th century and consecrated in 1107 by Pope Pascal II. At that time, the building sat on an island covered by sand and greenery between the Rhône et Saône rivers; Presqu'ile is now a densely populated district of Lyon offering plenty of shopping and dining. The monastery is noteworthy particularly for its double colonnade, which is reminiscent of early Christian architecture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Contemporary church by the architect Koch built between 1955 and 1957 |
Place de Paris Lyon 69009 France |
The church of Annunciation is neither a gothic work of art nor a vestige of Romanesque art, but a contemporary creation by the architect Koch built between 1955 and 1957. It is one of his post-war creations that isn't generally that well regarded. It is worth a visit however, because of the interior décor which is very colourful - whether it be the stain glass windows of L. Michel and J. Barillet or the mosaics of J. Bertholle. The edifice itself has a huge allure, no doubt by the way it was constructed (stone and concrete) thrusting the forged iron spire of the bordering steeple into the sky. It was built in the image of the Italian campaniles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Eclectic church |
34 Rue Servient Lyon 69003 France |
Pierre Bossan, the architect who worked in gothic(St. Georges) and byzantine-medieval styles (Fourvière) began building this church in 1856, and it was finished at the end of the 19th century by C.Franchet. The result is an eclectic mix resembling the large hotchpotch of the basilique de Fourvière. The term "neo" has allowed him to borrow from different architectural styles such as Roman, Byzantine and Classical. Mosaics and mural paintings adorn the interior of the nave which is topped by a cupola. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Church at the Heart of Lyon |
Place des Cordeliers Lyon 69002 France http://saintbonaventure-lyon.c... |
Since the Middle Ages, the story of l'Eglise Saint-Bonaventure has been intimately linked to the story of Lyon itself. Saint Bonaventure was buried in this church in 1274, half a century after the arrival of Franciscan monks in the region. The church has been destroyed by violence several times in its history, and rebuilt and renovated each time to become a sanctuary today, a place where believers might come on pilgrimage. The magnificent organ is played, free to the public, on the first Sunday of each month for one hour, beginning at 6 p.m. Mass is offered both on Saturdays (4 p.m., 7:15 p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 7 p.m.) every week. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Church Parish of Lyon |
Cours Charlemagne Lyon 69002 France +33 4 78 37 07 13 |
Blandine was a saint of the first Christian community of Lyon, martyred with 40 other Christians in 177 CE. The church of Sainte Blandine today is at the heart of an active neighborhood, near a train station and a market. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Art-Deco Church |
9, Rue Longchamp Lyon 69100 France +33 4 78 93 51 08 http://villeurbanne-lyon.cef.f... scalabriniens.lyon@wanadoo.fr |
Built in 1927, the Eglise de la Sainte Famille is part of a complex including a rectory, a garden, and several other buildings used for religious life. The architectural style is art-deco and the church features many stained-glass windows, including three large works depicting the Holy Family and dated 1935. Mass is given every Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine Local Church |
15 rue Etienne Dolet Lyon 69003 France http://stsac.immac.free.fr/ stsac.immac@free.fr |
Eglise du Saint Sacrement was constructed at the turn of the twentieth century. It incorporates a mixture of Byzantine and Gothic architectural styles, and has fine stained-glass windows. The church serves the local Catholic community of Lyon, but also puts on organ concerts occasionally. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Protestant temple in a bank! |
Place du Change Lyon 69005 France |
The Exchange has symbolised the prosperity of Lyons since the end of the Middle Ages for it is here that the famous fairs have been held. An establishment was constructed in the middle of the 17th century to welcome bankers and had to be extended very quickly - the architect J.G. Soufflot was chosen because of his success on the Presqu'île. From 1748 to 1750 he reintroduced classic architecture to renovate the façade of the lodge. He particulary stayed with the normal order of things in placing Ionic capital columns on the first level between each window, and a Doric architrave on the floor above. This little edifice is not without similarities to Hotel Dieu whose sobriety and harmony of classic architecture made Soufflot a success. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A 19th Century church |
Place de Fourvière Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7825 8619 http://www.fourviere.org/ info@fourviere.org |
Built between 1872 and 1884 by the architect Pierre Bossan, what has been nicknamed the "upside down elephant" is representative of the eclecticism of the end of the 19th century. The oriental and neo-classic influences (twisted columns and columned porticas) are mixed with architecture inspired by the medieval style machicolated towers, which creates a shocking fortress church. An observatory offers spectacular views, and under the basilica is a crypt, accessible from the esplanade. Admission ranges from free to EUR4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mosque founded in 1992 |
146 Boulevard Pinel Lyon 69008 France +33 4 7876 0023 |
The first stone of the Lyon mosque was laid on the 14th of June 1992, which closed the controversy over the legitimacy of its construction. Certain people imagined that the minaret would challenge the basilica at Fourvière! The project was conceived by the Ballandras and Mirabeau of Lyon and was mainly funded by King Fahd of Saudi Arabia and by other muslim countries. Opened in September 1994, the mosque responded to its critics with a mix of discretion and occidental modernity. The Persian arcs of the façade, the minaret which is 25 metres high and the white dome mounted on a crescent are the most apparent exterior elements, but it is on the inside where you can see the real architectural dexterity. The entrance patio is covered by a glass pyramid supported by 230 columns. A mezzanine level was fitted in the prayer room for the women, which overhangs the mihrab showing the direction of Mecca. The mihrab is decorated with a blue mosaic saying the famous verse "there is no other God than God and Mohammed is his prophet". The mosque has a documentation centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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An amazing edifice of byzantinian inspiration, heritage of a very ancient culture |
13 Quai de Tilsitt Lyon 69002 France +33 4 7837 1343 |
The Grande Synagogue was constructed on the site of an old salt granary given over to the Jewish consistory of Lyon in the 19th century. From 1863 to 1864, the architect attempted to take his inspiration from the Palestinian temples (in particular the temple of Salomon) whilst adapting it to occidental architecture of the time. The synagogue retains a certain sobriety whilst attracting the attention of visitors (a beautiful view from the quay that faces it). The temple itself is divided into three parts, one of the saint in the center and of the saint of saints in the east. The three naves are separated by two rows of twelve pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The central dome pierced with lots of windows, is symbolic of the unity of God, source of light. The architecture of the temple is very symbolic but it also serves specific worship purposes: the men have services on the ground floor, whilst the women are on the first floor. The porticas have been fitted out with stairways that go to the first floor which is for the women only and the second floor, which is where the choir and the organ are. Balustrades close off the chancel on the ground floor as only the rabbi and the members of the consistory are allowed in there. In brief the synagogue of Lyon is a shocking edifice of Byzantine inspiration, and the heritage of a very ancient culture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Church of Lyon |
3 quai Victor Augagneur Lyon 69003 France +33 4 72 60 03 00 http://www.orgue-et-musique.or... |
Based upon the blueprints of Gaspard André, the Grand Temple of Lyon was completed in 1884 to accommodate the growing population of Lyon. Overall, it is shaped like a Grecian cross with galleries on three sides, and its façade is composed of Villebois rock carved with designs inspired by early christian churches. The church holds 600 people, and a nearly century-old organ which is the inspiration for L'Association Orgue et Musique au Grand Temple, which works to develop the culture of Lyon and to bring organ music to the greater public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Synagogue on the left bank |
317 Rue Duguesclin Lyon 69007 France +33 4 7858 1874 |
Located 13 Quai Tilsitt, this grande synagogue is the most important in the town - this is evident from its architecture. It is also the home for the Jewish community of Lyons. Not far from the regional CRIF (146, rue de la Guillotière, 7th arrondissement of Lyons) it follows the Neveh Chalom synagogue, which houses the Shepherdic Jewish Israelite community. The architecture is less notable but depending on the area or on faith, the choice is there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Neoclassic church of St. Vincent |
60 Quai de St-Vincent Lyon 69001 France |
The church of Saint Vincent belongs to the convent of the grands-augustins. The church was built by L. Roux in the second half of the 18th century at the time of the rebirth of classic architecture, which motivated the excavation of Pompei and Herculanum. You can see inside the nave that the architect replaced the pillars traditionally used in Romanesque and Gothic churchs with Doric capital pillars. The dome on a squinch and tablature above is reminiscent of a centre plan ancient temple. This is not the only Neoclassic church in Lyon but it is definitely the most innovative from the point of view of elevation. The façade of the church was added at the end of the 19th century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Church on the Croix-Rousse |
25 Rue René Leynaud Lyon 69001 France |
Going up the Rue de l'Abbé Rozier from the Place du Forez, you come out of the Rue René Leynaud to see the immense façade of the church of Saint Polycarpe: this sight is reminscent of certain Baroque churches in the little roads of old Rome... But we are in the Croix-Rousse and it is not what you expect to see. The façade dates from the middle of the 18th century as the architect Loyer was charged with refitting the church of the Oratorians built in the 17th century. Four immense Corinthian capital fluted columns surround the door and reach to the ground floor and its pair on the second floor. The church suffered some damage during the Revolution (cf. Sculpted décor) then was enlarged in the 19th century (cf. notably the nave and the dome). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Neogothic church of Saint André |
17 Rue de Marseille Lyon 69007 France |
In the area of the new tram line, the church of Saint André is trying to make a place for itself in the commercial area of the Guillotière. Built between 1859 and 1907, it inherited the medieval forms reinvented by the architects of the 19th century. The neogothic ensemble even goes as far as as the furnishings, whether it be the stain glass windows by Mauvernay (end of the 19th century) or the Bégule (beginning of the 20th century). Only an oratory given by the mariners of the Rhone at the end of the Middle Ages is an authentic medieval relic. Services are held on weekdays at 6:30p; 5p on Saturday and 9:30p on Sunday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott Lynch |
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Neo-classical 19th century church |
11 Rue Auguste Comte Lyon 69002 France |
Wedged between the rue des Antiquaires and the rue Sala, the church of Saint François de Sales is dedicated to the founder of the order of the visitation. As with the churches of Saint Pothin and Saint Polycarpe, the architects J. Dulin and C.Benoit took their inspiration from classical architecture giving the church an impressive façade, full of images of the past. The church was built entirely in the 19th century, which explains the relative homogeneity of its decoration - part classical and part baroque (cf. similar to the dome at Saint Bruno des Chartreux). The interior reflects the exterior with murals (frescos by A. Denuelle) and relatively sombre furniture, but is also inspired by the Italian baroque of the 18th century. In brief, it's a little Italy of the 19th century transported to the second arrondissement. Services are held at 8:30a M-F, 6p Sa and 9:30a & 11a Su. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thomas Pollin |
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Neo-Gothic church rebuilt in 1844 |
53 Rue St-Georges Lyon 69005 France |
Saint Georges catches the eye of passers-by on the quays of the Saône with its entirely neogothic harmony. The church was completely reconstructed in 1844 by the architect Pierre Bossan, who is famous for his eclecticism at Fourvière. The area of worship is however very old; a text by bishop Leidrade mentions that it was restored in the 9th century. Bossan took his inspiration from the gothic architecture of the end of the middle ages, judging by the classical stone tracery work, which runs all the way around the church. The nave is furnished with paintings and furniture from the 19th century in keeping with the uniformity of the church. Saint Georges is considered to be one of the more traditionalist churches of Lyons. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carl Hubbers |
 Photo: Carl Hubbers |
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Neobyzantian church |
57 Rue des Macchabées Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7825 4326 |
Saint Irénée is one of the earliest Christian Gaul funeral basilicas, like Saint Just and Saint Laurent de Choulans. Archaeological digs in 1947 and then 1977 have allowed us to find out its precise origin, which texts attest its date as being at least from the beginning of 6th century. The burials (4th-6th century) discovered both inside and outside the church confirm its funeral function, which corresponds with the development of the martyr cult - believers wanted to be buried close to the saints, themselves buried at the heart of the edifice, usually in the chancel. Just like Saint Just, Saint Irénée was destroyed by the Protestants towards 1562. Restored then looted during the Revolution, it now presents 19th century architecture inspired by Byzantine churches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve |
 Photo: Dominique TEOLIS |
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Contemporary church |
29 Rue Alexis-Carrel Lyon 69008 France |
Modern churches are rare in the centre of Lyons compared with the neo-classic, neo-gothic and medieval edifices. The church of Saint-Jean-Apôtre, constructed in the sixties by the architect A. Chomel, is therefore a rare example in this quartier des Etats-Unis modified in the 20th century. The building materials(concrete and stone) are definitely modern and encourage innovative forms: the polygonal edifice and its round roof don't go unnoticed! Chomel has created an original church but he has also shown that he knew how to use sober materials and architecture, which help people to meditate without showing any exterior signs of richness. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Neoclassic church |
21 Rue des Farges Lyon 69005 France |
The original church of Saint Just, which wasn't found in its present location (11, Rue des Machabées), was destroyed in 1562 at the time of the wars between the Catholics and the Protestants. Archaeological excavations in 1971 revealed the foundations of the 5th century funeral basilica, built on a Roman necropolis. The church was reconstructed in 1591 inside the fortified town - the original was outside the walls - but it wasn't until the start of the 18th century that it had a chancel and a facade. That facade, just off the road, was designed by F. Delamonce and includes statues of Saint Just and Saint Irénée, and it is reminiscent of its neighboring early Cristian basilicas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Benoit BRANLARD |
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Romanesque abbey |
Place d'Ainay Lyon 69002 France +33 4 7240 0250 |
Like the église Saint Paul in old Lyons, the abbey of Saint Martin d'Ainay is proof of the Romanesque Lyons architecture often eclipsed by the Gothic. Dating at least from the Carolingian era, the present abbey, of which there remains nothing but the church, dates mostly from the 12th century. The buildings at the end of the Middle Ages reflected the wealth of the abbey but the Protestants judged this wealth incompatible with monastic vows, so they looted the abbey. The Revolution finished what they started. Today it remains a testimony to architectural history of the area and is a favorite of visitors. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephen Shimanek |
 Photo: Marie Noëlle Taine |
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Neo-gothic church |
91 Rue Tête d'Or Lyon 69006 France |
Just like the église de Saint Georges, its contemporary, the abbey of Saint-Nom-de-Jésus was built imitating the architecture of the end of the Middle Ages. L.Bresson constructed this neo-gothic church in the middle of the 19th century, according to models of the convents from the 13th to 14th century. The construction followed the renovation of a Dominican convent. It was even a Dominican, Father Dauzas, who designed the stained glass windows which can still be seen today. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A rare example of a Romanesque church in Lyons |
1 Place Gerson Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7828 3445 |
One of the oldest churches in Lyon (it appears in a 9th century text by Bishop Leidrade), the Romanesque architecture of Saint Paul matches the abbey church of Saint-Martin d'Ainay (cf. Saint Martin d'Ainay). In the 19th century the revival of interest in medieval art prompted several neo-Gothic additions (spire, west portal), but the church thankfully keeps its Romanesque coherence. The octagonal tower at the transept crossing and the chapels near to the apse have also kept their arched openings decorated with small columns. The west steeple dates from the 15th century. The nave and the lower sides of the church have a surprising Romano-Gothic look. For the most part, the Romanesque walls were replaced in order to make more space and allow more light in - notably with the addition of rib vaults (a characteristic of what is called Gothic architecture). In the church of Saint Paul the Romanesque walls were kept but spiced up with Gothic innovations - this is the particular architectural feature of the church. The dome situated at the transept crossing is remarkable because it consists of two superimposed octagons. Services are held at 6:30p M-F and 10a & 11:30a Su. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sébastien DELORME |
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Neoclassic church |
127 Rue de Créqui Lyon 69006 France +33 4 7852 2739 |
Like the Paris Panthenon designed by Soufflot, Saint Pothin is a church disguised as a Greek-Roman temple! Jokes aside, C. Crepet's overall inspiration for building a church in 1843 with a peristyle fitted with massive Doric columns topped with an imposing triangular impediment was Neoclassic architecture, which was very popular in the 19th century. Crépet also placed a dome at the transept crossing, in the style of Italian Baroque churches. The church is worth a visit mainly for its stunning exterior, but also take a look inside at the nave, which still has the stain glass windows done by E. Bézule at the start of the 20th century, as well as several paintings from the 17th-19th centuries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Luis Patricio Leal |
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Gothic church of St. Nizier |
Place St-Nizier Lyon 69001 France +33 4 7241 1805 |
The church of Saint Nizier is one of the oldest in Lyon - writers of the Middle Ages described it as the funeral basilica where the ashes of the first Lyonnaise martyrs in 177 were kept. According to the famous 6th century writer Grégoire de Tours it was the tomb of his uncle Saint Nizier, the namesake of the church. What is certain is that the edifice founded under bishop Leidrade, close to Charlemagne, has diasappeared because it was replaced by the present construction in the 15th century. Saint Nizier is in reality a clever mixture of Gothic, Baroque and Neogothic architecture! The oldest parts like the majority of the façade and the interior area are in a Gothic style: the north steeple was constructed using the ideas of old Roman monuments, the nave is a perfect example of Gothic flamboyance (see Triforium and ribs of the vault). The columned apse of the entrance porch, added in 1579 by J. Vallet, adds a little touch of Renaissance. But overall it is the revival of interest in the Middle Ages that has been the inspiration for many modifications: A. Benoit constructed the south steeple using the design of the north steeple, but making it a little more geometric (1855-56) and the interior fittings were completely modified (furnishings, stain glass windows, organ, paintings, and statues). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Antoine Rambaud |
 Photo: manufrakass |
 Photo: Cédric LIGNIER |
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Cathedral |
Place St-Jean Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7842 2825 http://cathedrale-lyon.cef.fr/ cathedrale@cathedrale-lyon.cef.fr |
The church of Lyon's bishop, one of Gaul's most important, has been situated on the banks of the Saone at the bottom of Fourvière hill since the 4th century (Saint Jean Archeological Garden). Construction of the present building started in 1170-1180 and the chancel and façade were finished in the 14th century: the cathedral is a testament to the evolution of Lyon's religious architecture. This historical church is host to many events, concerts and religious lectures throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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City Church of Lyon |
10 rue Lanterne Lyon 69001 France |
The façade of the Temple Lanterne lies flat, joined with the fronts of buildings to either side and pierced at the entrance by three pointed archways. The building was constructed on the blueprints of architect Manlius Bailly in 1857, and the organ by Joseph Merklin in 1891. Concerts are performed periodically, and mass begins at 10:15 a.m. every Sunday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Architecture & Culture |
Place du Change 2 rue Soufflot Lyon 69005 France |
This Protestant church is located in the historical Old Lyon in the sixteenth century merchant hall and has regular services as well as other special events. Visit the website for more information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Vietnamese Buddhist temple. |
51 Rue de Cuzieu Lyon 69110 France +33 4 7859 7147 |
Whether you are a sympathiser or practising, if you defend it as a philosophy or a way of life, you have to admit that Buddhism has spread widely in Europe over the past few years. Large retreat centres have been created near Lyon (Karma Ling in Savoie, the temple of the thousand Buddhas in Bourgogne). The Vietnamese tradition of Buddhism has founded a centre in Saint-Foy-les-Lyon in the south west of Lyon. The architecture of the pagoda is very distant from that of the council flats around it! The visitor is welcomed by two dragons that protect the monumental stairway. This is a way of initiation through which everyone can come and pray under the eyes of the Buddha. The temple organises a festival for the Vietnamese New Year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Study and meditation centre |
5 Rue des Marronniers Lyon 69002 France +33 4 7842 8159 |
Situated behind the place Bellecour, the Buddhist centre follows the methods of the Karma Ling institute, founded in 1980 by the Tibetan grand master Kalou Rimpotché. The centre is not a temple in the proper sense, but it does offer regular sessions of silent meditation as well as initiation into the Dharma and Buddha's teachings. The centre is linked to the Karma Ling institute situated not far from Chambéry, which allows everyone to progress in the ways of Buddha according to their own level of achievement. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Baroque church of St Bruno |
Place des Chartreux Lyon 69001 France +33 4 7828 4168 http://www.baroque-stbruno.org/ |
The principal interest of the abbey church of Saint Bruno des Chartreux lies in its rarity: it's one of only a few baroque churches in Lyons. The monastery to which it belonged to was destroyed like many others during the Revolution. All that remains is a little cloister south of the chancel through which the monks would enter to go to services, and of course the abbey church itself. The long chancel used by the monks dates from the 16th century. The stalls were carved in the 18th century by Van der Heyden, from drawings by J.G. Soufflot (cf. Hôtel Dieu). The nave and the transept, which were built in the 18th century by Delamonce, are baroque in style, as is the dome. A series of interesting paintings from that era hang in the abbey church, notably the two by C. Tremolières which can be seen in the transept: the Ascension and the Assumption (1737). The façade was constructed much later between 1868 and 1872. Review © 2007, Wcities |