Cathédrale St-Jean, Lyon
The stout west front of the Cathédrale St-Jean. Photo by the author.
Lyon Cathedral's Late Gothic facade. Photo by Jean-Michel Lahire.
Closer look at the great facade. Photo by Nicolas Machot.
Gargoyles and other carvings above the portals. Photo by JaHoVil.
Tower of the cathedral and ruined arch. Photo by Nicolas Machot.
East end by night. Photo by Amélien Bayle de la Cellery.
Stained glass window. Photo by romaryka.
The Cathédrale St-Jean (St. John's Cathedral) is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Lyon, who holds the impressive title "Primate of the Gauls" and is the leading Archbishop of France.
The archdiocese of Lyon dates to Roman times, but Lyon's present cathedral was built between the 12th and 15th centuries.
History
Before the construction of Lyon's cathedral, the churches of Ste Croix, St Etienne and a baptistery stood on the site. Remains of these structures can still be seen in an archaeological garden by the music school building.
The Cathédrale St-Jean Cathedral was built over several centuries, from 1180 to 1480, in the Romanesque and Gothic styles. The apse is Romanesque, but construction on the whole continued over three centuries.
The wing of the cathedral that houses the treasury is noted for the beauty and severe dignity of its 12th-century Romanesque facade. Its origins date to the 11th century, when it was established as a choir school (the Manécanterie).
In 1600 King Henri IV came to Lyon to meet his Italian fiancée, Marie de' Medici, en route from Marseille. He took one look at her, approved of what he saw, and they were married immediately in this cathedral.
What to See
From the outside, the Cathédrale St-Jean appears solid and determined, having withstood the sieges of time, revolution, and war. Its apse is a masterpiece of Lyonnais Romanesque architecture.
Inside the cathedral, architectural highlights include the fabulous 13th-century stained-glass windows in the choir and the varied window tracery and vaulting in the side chapels.
Especially not to be missed is the Flamboyant Gothic chapel of the Bourbons. On the front portals are medallions depicting the signs of the zodiac, the Creation, and the life of St. John.
The most unique and interesting feature of Lyon's cathedral is the 14th-century astronomical clock, in the north transept. A marvel of technology and intricate beauty, it chimes a hymn to St. John on the hour at noon, 2, 3, and 4 as a rooster crows and angels herald the Annunciation.
To the right of the Cathédrale St-Jean stands the 12th-century Manécanterie (choir school), housing the treasury and an archaeological garden.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Cathédrale St-Jean; St. John's Cathedral; Lyon Cathedral |
| Type of site: | Cathedral |
| Dates: | 12th-15th centuries AD |
| Address: | 70 rue St-Jean, Vieux Lyon, Lyon, France |
| Location: | Place St-Jean |
| Phone: | 04-78-92-82-29 |
| Hours: | Mon-Sat 8am-noon and 2-7:30pm; Sun 8am-7pm |
| Cost: | Free |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Lyon Cathedral. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Lyon Map or get our free Google Earth download.
