Notre Dame de Fourvière is a major religious basilica in the city of Lyon, France. It is located at the top of the Fourvière hill and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was built between 1872 and 1896 and is one of the most important tourist attractions in the city.
History
The basilica was built in the late 19th century as a gesture of thanksgiving for the protection the city of Lyon had received during the Franco-Prussian War. The architect of the basilica, Pierre Bossan, was commissioned to design the building in 1872. Construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1896. The basilica was consecrated in 1884.
Architecture
The basilica has a Romanesque Revival architectural style and is built of white stone. The main façade is decorated with statues of saints, angels, and the Virgin Mary. The interior of the basilica is decorated with frescoes, stained glass windows, and mosaics. The main altar is made of marble and is decorated with gold leaf. The basilica also has a crypt, which houses the remains of several saints.
Features
The basilica is home to a number of important features, including:
- The Great Organ – a large pipe organ, which was built in 1896 and is still in use today.
- The Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre – a small chapel dedicated to the Passion of Christ.
- The Sacred Heart Chapel – a small chapel dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
- The Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes – a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.
- The Crypt – a crypt which houses the remains of several saints.
Events
The basilica is the site of a number of important religious events, including:
- The Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fourvière – a yearly event in which thousands of pilgrims make a pilgrimage to the basilica to honor the Virgin Mary.
- The Corpus Christi Procession – an annual event in which a procession of clergy and faithful walk through the streets of Lyon carrying a statue of the Blessed Sacrament.
- The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – a yearly event in which the faithful gather to celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Conclusion
Notre Dame de Fourvière is a major basilica in the city of Lyon, France. It was built in the late 19th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is a popular tourist attraction and is the site of a number of important religious events. The basilica is home to a number of important features, including the Great Organ, the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Crypt.