Church of Saint-Just, Lyon

The Church of Saint-Just is a place of worship on rue des Farges with a Neoclassical facade featuring statues of Saint Irenaeus and Saint Justus at its ends. Inside, the nave holds about 400 worshippers and contains an organ built in 1921 that was restored in 1972.

The church was built between 1565 and 1663 as a replacement for the original Basilica of Saint Justus, which Huguenot forces destroyed in 1562. Its construction marked the restoration of religious life after the period of religious conflict.

The church displays notable artworks, including an Annunciation painting by Hyacinthe Collin de Vermont and 19th-century stained glass windows depicting Saint Justus's life. These windows cast colored light across the interior and give visitors a sense of the saint's story through visual storytelling.

The church space is accessible for visits and welcomes visitors, though access may vary depending on services and special celebrations. The organ in good condition makes it suitable for attending sacred music events if they are scheduled during your visit.

An inscription inside commemorates the ancient basilica and its original dedication to the Maccabees, linking this site to a predecessor building a short distance away. This connection reveals how the religious meaning of this location has persisted through different structures across the centuries.

Location: 5th arrondissement of Lyon

Inception: 1663

Website: http://stirenee-stjust-lyon.cef.fr

GPS coordinates: 45.75590,4.82038

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03