Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Lyon

Of course, Notre-Dame de Fourvière was our first destination, as this church prominently stands as a landmark above the city of Lyon. From here, we hoped to gain a view over Lyon and its surroundings.

After a drive up the 'moderate slope', we were indeed rewarded.

Wikipedia quote about the church:

Fourvière (from Latin forum vetus, “old forum”) was the center of Lugdunum in Roman antiquity. In the 11th century, the city began to grow again after centuries of declining significance. However, the new center emerged at the foot of the Fourvière hill near the bank of the Saône. On the ruins of the old forum, the first Marian chapel was built in 1168.

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During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71, the citizens of Lyon vowed to enlarge and beautify the sanctuary of Fourvière if their city was spared from Prussian occupation. The wish was fulfilled, and in 1872, the foundation stone of the new church was laid north of the old chapel.

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The decoration is abundant, with its completion taking decades after the consecration. Arches and columns are elaborately adorned with capitals, friezes, cornices, and figures of angels and saints. The vaults and walls are decorated with colorful, gold-glimmering mosaics and paintings. The numerous large stained glass windows depict scenes from the Bible—especially from the life of Mary—and French church history.

It is certainly worth a visit.

The Roman history is documented in the excavation sites next door.

Now back to the city; we want to dedicate some time to the present.