Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere is a minor basilica in Lyon, France, located at the top of Fourviere hill. It was designed by Pierre Bossan and built between 1872 and 1884 in a Romano-Byzantine style. The basilica was made a minor basilica by Pope Pius XI in 1922. It is the most visited site in Lyon.
History
The basilica was constructed as a votive offering by the citizens of Lyon after a promise was made to the Virgin Mary during the city’s fight against the cholera epidemic in 1854. The cornerstone was laid in 1872 and the building was consecrated in 1884. It was built on the site of a small chapel, which was constructed in the early 1800s.
Architecture
The basilica was designed by Pierre Bossan, a French architect who specialized in religious architecture. The basilica was built in a Romano-Byzantine style, with two domes and two bell towers. The interior of the basilica is decorated with paintings, sculptures, and mosaics. The basilica also contains a crypt, which houses the relics of Saint Joseph.
Features
The basilica is home to a number of features, including a panoramic terrace that offers views of the city of Lyon. The basilica also houses a number of religious artifacts, including a reliquary of the Holy Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross, and the original statue of the Virgin Mary, which was brought to the basilica in 1858.
Events
The basilica is host to a number of religious and cultural events. Every year on December 8th, a procession takes place in honor of the Virgin Mary. The basilica also hosts concerts, plays, and other cultural events throughout the year.
Light Festival
The basilica is also home to the annual Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights). This event takes place in December, and involves the illumination of the basilica with thousands of lights. This event is a popular tourist attraction, and draws people from all over the world.
Visiting
The basilica is open to the public year-round, and visitors can explore the interior and exterior of the building. There is an admission fee for the basilica, and visitors can purchase tickets at the ticket office located at the entrance.
- Opening hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm
- Admission fee: €5
- Address: 8 Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France
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