La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière in Lyon

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon is a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church overlooking the city from the site of the ancient Roman forum of Trajan. The Basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is held to have saved the city from the bubonic plague in 1643, a Cholera epidemic in 1932 and from invasion in 1870.

The 19th-century church combines Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles, unusual choices for the time. Many people come here to capture views of the city of Lyon below, and to visit the site where ancient Roman society held important functions.

La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière in Lyon - one of the highlights of 10 Iconic Buildings and Places in Lyon and 10 Best Things to Do This Winter in Lyon (Read all about Lyon here)

What are the highlights of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon?

Highlights of the church, which is actually 2 churches in one, include the Choir of the Basilica, a children's choir that performs regularly. The building also hosts 2 radio antennas of Radio Forviére, which were installed in 1982. It also features fine mosaics and stunning stained glass, and is reputed to house the crypt of Saint Joseph.

The Shrine of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is an important pilgrimage site for Christians, who have come to visit a shrine that has stood since 1170, hundreds of years before the basilica was constructed. It contains a golden statue of Mary created by Joseph-Hugues Fabisch in 1852.

What else is good to know about the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Despite being a popular visitor attraction, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a functioning church for Roman Catholics, and it is requested that visitors pay the proper respect. Tours are available, but it is asked that visitors restrict their explorations to days and times when Mass is not in session. In addition to the highlights of the church itself, visitors can wander the gardens or visit a gift shop where they can buy books and souvenirs.

The Basilica values all visitors and is accessible to people with disabilities requiring mobility assistance. Devices are available to assist the hearing-impaired as well.

Location: 8 Pl. de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France

Open: Monday–Sunday from 7 am to 8 pm

Phone: +33 (0)4 78 25 13 01

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