Top 5 Religious Sights In Lyon

Our Local Expert Says:

Amazing what mankind can do in the name of religion, and Basilique de Fourvière pays testimony to that. You can see the mighty basilica from everywhere in the centre of Lyon, but going in is where you'll find the real 'wow' effect!

Description:

Built between 1872 and 1884 by the architect Pierre Bossan, the Basilique de Fourvière, that has been nicknamed the "upside down elephant" is representative of the eclecticism of the end of the 19th century. The oriental, symbolist and neo-classic influences (twisted columns and columned porticoes) 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. Guided tours are available. Check website for mass and admission details.

Our Local Expert Says:

Boasting a stunning and unique Baroque interior, Église Saint-Bruno-des-Chartreux is a church truly worth exploring!

Description:

The principal interest of the abbey church of Saint Bruno des Chartreux lies in its rarity: it's one of the few baroque churches in Lyon. 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 . 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.

Description:

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. Construction of the present building started in 1170-1180 and the chancel and facade 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.

Description:

The Grande Mosquée de Lyon 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 meters 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 also has a documentation center.

Description:

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 th e 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).