The beautiful white Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, known by locals as the upside-down elephant, sits on the top of Fourvière hill, aka the ‘praying hill’, in Lyon’s 5th district, where the world of Catholics rubs shoulders with vestiges of Ancient Rome.
From its dominant position, looming over the city below with vantage points aplenty, Fourvière has become a symbol of Lyon, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. Designed by Pierre Bossan, Fourvière basilica draws from both Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, two non-Gothic models that were unusual choices at the time. It’s actually one church on top of another.
Housing stunning mosaics, beautiful stained glass and a crypt of Saint Joseph, Fourvière basilica is a speactacular landmark to visit in Lyon, and the view from the esplanade is mind-blowing. The basilica complex extends to Saint Thomas Chapel, the Virgin Mary, the aforementioned panoramic esplanade, the statue of the archangel Saint Michael, and the gorgeous Rosary Garden.
Information provided in part by: thisislyon.fr
