Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere - Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere

Since Notre Dame Basilica, officially known as Notre Dame Cathedral, is located on a hilltop, it can be seen from nearly all parts of Lyon. The cathedral is not only a symbol of the city but also one of the most famous landmarks in Lyon. Here, visitors can admire the lavishness of the gilded interior and take in breathtaking views across the city.

Built on the site of an ancient Roman court, the basilica was consecrated in 1896 and possesses a unique design thanks to a combination of details of Byzantine and Roman architecture. Like the Sacré-Cœur cathedral in Paris, this church was built with donations with the desire to demonstrate the strength of the Catholic Church with its growing authority and to express gratitude to God, who is blessed by the church. believed to have led the Prussians to retreat during the Franco-Prussian War.

When you step up and admire this massive cathedral, you will see four octagonal towers and a bell tower with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary at the top. Although the exterior is relatively simple, the interior is quite impressive.

Once inside, visitors will immediately be overwhelmed by the details here. Wherever you look, you'll find gilded details, marble, stained glass panes, elaborate mosaics, and colorful frescoes that cover almost the entire interior. The lavishly decorated interior is filled with elaborate details. Remember to go down to explore the large crypt of Saint Jean downstairs.

After visiting the cathedral, visitors can head to the Chapel of Our Lady next door to admire the panoramic view of the city from the terrace. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding city. From above, try to find important monuments such as the Cathedral of Saint-Jean and the skyscraper Tour de la Part-Dieu. On clear days, you'll see Mont Blanc in the distance.

When visiting the cathedral, visitors should combine a visit to the Gallo-Romains Museum and the nearby Roman Theater also located on Fourvière hill.

Notre Dame Cathedral does not charge an entrance fee. There is a fee for guided tours. There are many roads leading to the cathedral, but the uphill section will make visitors feel tired. Alternatively, you can take the funicular train that departs from Vieux Lyon station.