Basilica Notre dame de Fouviere

The Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière sits on the top of Fourviere hill. It was built with private funds between 1872 and 1896 in a dominant position overlooking the city.

Fourvière is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, to whom is attributed the salvation of the city of Lyon from the bubonic plague that swept Europe in 1643.

The Basilica is listed as historical monument registered tot the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, considered as the emblem of the city of Lyon, the basilica welcomes over 2.5 million pilgrims and visitors each year.

We made it to the top of the hill and we are heading toward the Basilica.

The design of the basilica, by Pierre Bossan, draws from both Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, two non-Gothic models that were unusual choices at the time.

The Facade of the Basilica is rich in symbolism and ornamentation integrating elements both of Romanesque and Byzantine architecture.

The Lion statue at the entrance is there to guard the entrance of the crypt which is dedicated to St. Joseph. In addition to being an allegorical figure of the city of Lyon, the lion is a common emblem of the Jewish tribe of Judah of which St.. Joseph is a descendant.

Side door and sculpture on the wall.

Marble plaque with inscription near the entrance: Near the ancient sanctuary where popes kings and crowd had come to pray. The City of Lyon faithful to its wish on 1870 raised the Basilica to the one who had protected it from the invasions - Pierre Bossant-1888, Saint Marie Perrion 1917 were the architects.

Main portal

Panoramic view of the main portal

The inside of Notre-Dame of Fourvière Basilica is composed of 2 churches one upon the other (you will see the 2nd church toward the end of the page).

The higher Church is dominated by 3 domes and lit by 6 stained-glass windows offering a light emphasizing a rich decor.

The higher church is supported by 16 columns.

The central nave of the basilica is richly decorated with a variety of ornaments and gilded features, and most particular mosaics which cover the church from floor to ceiling.

The choir vault are richly decorated in jewels, roses and foliage, and they are surrounded by cherubs.

The Virgin Mary is the focal point of the altar. Mary watched over the congregation, holding baby Jesus whole fingers are raised in blessing.

Sculpted in Carrara marble.

The Virgin Mary Chapel.

On the side walls 6 large mosaics of 50 square meters, by Charles Lameire et Georges Décote, show, on the left, the link of Mary to the Church and on the right the relationship of Mary with France.

Close up at the pillars supporting the church.

A large mosaic on the wall depicting Louis 13th dedicating France to the Virgin Mary.

Mosaic of the battle of Lepanto depicting the 1571 Battle of Lepanto, during which Pope Pies V implored the intercession of the Virgin Mary to bring victory to the Christian sailors against the Turkish fleet of Selim II.

The floor is meticulously decorated with mosaics using different types of marble and hard stone. They formed geometric and floral patterns.

This is the entrance to the smaller church.

Stairs going to the High church.

A chapel with Notre Dome du Bon Conseil

One of the chapel inside the church

We are now exiting the Basilica.

View of the city from the back of the Basilica.

More view of the city from the top of the hill.

A quick selfie before leaving the Basilica.

On the right is the Metallic tower of Fourviere. Lyon miniature version of the Eiffel tower was built as statement in support of French secularism.

It was built between 1892 and 1894 is visible from much of the center of Lyon. At roughly 281 feet tall, its perch atop the hill makes it the highest point in the city.

NEXT.... Day 2-Ancient Theatre of Fourvière