Lyon Cathedral

West front of the Cathédrale St-Jean. Photo © Sacred Destinations.

Lyon Cathedral's Late Gothic facade. Photo Jean-Michel Lahire.

Closer look at the great facade. Photo Nicolas Machot.

Gargoyles and other carvings above the portals. Photo JaHoVil.

Tower of the cathedral and ruined arch. Photo Nicolas Machot.

East end by night. Photo Amélien Bayle de la Cellery.

Stained glass window. Photo romaryka.

Location map and aerial view of Lyon Cathedral. For a larger interactive view, see our Lyon Map.

The Cathédrale St-Jean or Primatiale St-Jean is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Lyon, who holds the impressive title "Primate of the Gauls" and is the leading archbishop in France. The archdiocese of Lyon dates to Roman times, but Lyon's present cathedral was built between the 12th and 15th centuries.

History

Before the construction of Lyon's cathedral, the churches of Ste Croix (Holy Cross), St Etienne (St. Stephen) and a baptistery stood on the site. Remains of these structures can still be seen in an archaeological garden next to the cathedral.

The Cathédrale St-Jean was built over the course of several centuries, from about 1165 to 1480. The apse and choir is Romanesque, while the nave and facade are Gothic.

Church councils were held in Lyon Cathedral in 1245 and 1274. It also hosted a Renaissance wedding: in 1600, King Henry IV married Marie de Medici (whom he had just met) in the cathedral.

What to See

The medieval exterior of the Cathédrale St-Jean has a solid and solemn appearance. The oldest part is the east end, which was mostly completed by the end of the 12th century; the apse is considered a masterpiece of Lyonnais Romanesque architecture.

The Gothic nave with flying buttresses was built in the 13th century and the west facade, which resembles the transepts of the Notre Dame de Paris, is a Rayonnant Gothic work of the 14th century. The portals bear medallions depicting the Zodiac, Creation and the Life of St. John.

Inside, highlights include 13th-century stained glass windows in the choir and beautiful window tracery and vaulting in the side chapels. Especially notable among the latter is the Flamboyant Gothic Chapel of the Bourbons.

Probably the most unique and interesting feature of Lyon's cathedral is the 14th-century astronomical clock in the north transept. A marvel of technology and beauty, it chimes at 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm while a rooster crows and angels herald.

Adjoining the Cathédrale St-Jean is the 11th-century Manécanterie (choir school), with a 12th-century Romanesque facade. It houses the treasury and an archaeological garden.

Quick Facts

Site Information

Names:	Lyon Cathedral; Cathédrale Saint-Jean; St-Jean Cathedral; Primatiale St-Jean
Dedicated to:	St. John
Location:	Lyon, France
Category:	Cathedrals
Faith:	Christianity
Denomination:	Catholic
Status:	active
Date:	1165-1480
Architecture:	Romanesque, Gothic
Features:	Medieval Stained Glass

Visitor Information

Coordinates:	45.760727° N, 4.827332° E (view on Google Maps)
Website:	cathedrale-lyon.cef.fr
Hours:	Cathedral: Mon-Fri 8am-noon, 2-7:30pm; Sat-Sun: 8am-noon, 2-5pm Treasury: Tue-Sat 10am-noon, 2-6pm
Cost:	Free, including the treasury
Services:	Mon-Fri: Mass 9am and 7pm Friday evening Mass presided over by the Archbishop of Lyon Sat: Mass 9am only Sun: Mass 8:30am, 10:30am with choir
Public transport:	Metro: Line D to Vieux Lyon / Cathédrale St-Jean

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Travel Resources

Lyon Map - our detailed interactive map of Lyon, plus hand-picked links to more
Getting to Lyon - directions by train, car and bus, plus location map and links
Lyon Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Lyon
Lyon Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
Lyon Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
Lyon Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
Lyon Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to Lyon
Lyon Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
Lyon Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Lyon tourism

Article Sources

Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:

Personal visit (October 2004).
"Lyon." William W. Kibler, Medieval France: An Encyclopedia, 571.
Frommer's France

Article last updated: 09/30/2009.