Cour des Voraces, Historical courtyard in Croix-Rousse district, Lyon, France
Cour des Voraces is a courtyard in the Croix-Rousse district with a striking six-story staircase connecting different floor levels. The staircase passes through covered passages, and multiple street-level entrances allow access from Place Colbert, Montée Saint-Sébastien, and Rue Imbert-Colomès.
Built in 1840, the courtyard became a focal point during the silk workers' revolts of 1848 and 1849. These gatherings marked an important moment when laborers united to demand better conditions.
The name "Voraces" referred to the silk workers who occupied this space with their looms and daily routines. People gathered in the courtyard to share information about their trade and coordinate their efforts as a community.
The courtyard is accessible from multiple entry points, making it easy to reach from different sides of the Croix-Rousse neighborhood. Plan enough time to explore the various levels and take in the staircase design from different angles.
The staircase was engineered to float between floors without landing on every level, an unusual design solution. This allowed workers to move freely and gather in large numbers throughout the structure.
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