Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Belvédère
Why is it significant?
Stand before the imposing white limestone facade of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the beloved architectural crown reigning over the city of Lyon.
Key Facts
| Place | Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Belvédère |
|---|---|
| Address | Place de Fourvière 8, 69005 Lyon, France |
| Geo Coordinates | 45.76230, 4.82280 |
| Part of Walk | Fourvière and Vieux Lyon: Roman Lugdunum, Hilltop Basilica, and Renaissance Traboules |
| Generated | Generated |
Stand before the imposing white limestone facade of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the beloved architectural crown reigning over the city of Lyon. Designed in an extravagant Romanesque-Byzantine revival style by architect Pierre Bossan and constructed between 1872 and 1896, this magnificent sanctuary was erected by civic vow after the Virgin Mary was believed to have spared Lyon from Prussian invasion during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Flanked by four octagonal crenellated towers that give it the appearance of a medieval fortress of faith, the exterior earned the basilica its affectionate local nickname: the upside-down elephant. Stepping inside reveals a breathtaking wonderland of gilded splendor: every wall, arch, and dome is covered in millions of iridescent glass mosaic tesserae illustrating the history of Christianity in Gaul. Just outside the northern entrance, the great Belvédère terrace opens onto an unforgettable panoramic view embracing the Presqu'île, the loop of the Rhône, and the distant snowy pyramid of Mont Blanc on clear days. The sheer scale and shimmering light inspire awe.
Look up at the golden statue of the Virgin Mary atop the old bell tower: crafted by sculptor Joseph-Hugues Fabisch, its ceremonial illumination on December 8, 1852, sparked the worldwide tradition of the Fête des Lumières, when all Lyon places candles in their windows.
The basilica is actually two churches in one: beneath the radiant golden upper sanctuary lies a somber, atmospheric crypt dedicated to Saint Joseph, symbolizing the earthly journey toward heavenly illumination.
Step onto the viewing terrace: with binoculars, you can trace the twin ribbons of the Rhône and Saône converging far to the south at Confluence, framing the entirety of Lyon's two-thousand-year urban evolution.
Take the winding paths through the lush terraced hillside into the romantic Jardin du Rosaire.