Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere, Lyon
Rooftop and towers of the basilica high above Lyon. Photo
romaryka.
Facade of the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere. Photo
Tim Chen.
East end of the basilica, overlooking the city. Photo
Tim Chen.
West front of the basilica by night. Photo
Romain Guy.
A lion guards the entrance. Photo
Tim Chen.
Golden interior of Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere. Photo
Diego Cupolo.
Closer look at the gilded vault. Photo
dek.
Location map and aerial view of Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere. For a larger interactive view, see our Lyon Map.
The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière sits high atop the Fourvière Hill in Lyon, France. It was built between 1872 and 1876 in a neo-Byzantine style and offers a magnificent view over the city.
History
Like the Sacré-Coeur in Paris, Lyon's basilica was built to underline the might of the Roman Catholic Church after the Prussian defeat of France in 1870 and the birth of the anticlerical Third Republic. Both basilicas also have in common a neo-Byzantine style and hilltop site.
The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built between 1872 and 1876 over an ancient Roman forum and next to the existing Chapel of the Virgin. It was designed by architect Pierre Bossan of Lyon, who also designed the city's Église Saint-Georges.
What to See
Visible from all over the city, the gleaming white Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière rises like a fortress on Fourvière Hill, with slender turrets on its four corners and crenellated walls. A gilded statue of the Virgin surmounts the bell tower.
This relatively austere exterior contrasts with the richly decorated interior, which was intended to demonstrate the Church's wealth and power (although in reality, it had only the former). Gilt, marble work, stained glass windows, and colored mosaics cover virtually every surface. Beneath the main level is the crypt of Saint-Jean, which is unusually large and well-lit.
Adjoining the basilica is the ancient Chapel of the Virgin and a terrace that provides a panoramic view of the cathedral and city of Lyon. An even better view can be had by climbing 287 steps to the basilica observatory.
Also nearby are the gardens of Rosaire, designed by Bossan, and the pleasant Hauteurs Park.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere; Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière; Fourvière Basilica; Notre-Dame Basilica; Basilica of Our Lady of Fourvière |
| Location: | Lyon, France |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Dedication: | Virgin Mary |
| Category: | Churches |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1872-76 |
| Architect: | Pierre Bossan |
| Architecture: | Neo-Byzantine |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 45.762149° N, 4.822419° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Address: | 8 Place de Fourvière, Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France |
| Phone: | 04-78-25-51-82 |
| Website: | www.fourviere.org |
| Hours: | Basilica: Daily 8am-7pm Observatory: Easter-Oct, daily 10-noon and 2-6; Nov-Easter, weekends 2-6 |
| Tours: | Apr-Nov, Mon-Sat: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm; Sun: 3pm, 4pm, 5pm |
| Cost: | Basilica admission: free Guided tour: €2 Museum of Religious Art: €5 Treasury: €5 |
| Services: | Mass at the Chapel: Mon-Fri 7:30am, 9am, 11am and 5pm; Sat 5pm; Sun 6:30am and 7:30am Mass at the Basilica: Sun 7:30am, 9am, 11am and 5pm |
Travel Resources
- Lyon Map - our detailed interactive map of Lyon, plus hand-picked links to more
- Lyon Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
- Lyon Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Lyon
- 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 Transportation - directions by train, car and bus, plus location map and links
- Lyon Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Personal visit (October 2004).
- Notre-Dame de Fourviere - Planetware
- Basilique de Notre-Dame-de-Fourvière - Fodor's France
Last updated on September 30, 2009.
