Traboule 27 rue Saint Jean - 6 rue des Trois-Maries, Renaissance passage in Vieux Lyon, France
The Traboule 27 rue Saint Jean is a Renaissance passage in the old town that connects rue Saint Jean to rue des Trois-Maries. It moves through multiple courtyards with spiral staircases and Italian-style galleries arranged across different levels.
The passage was built in the 16th century as a shortcut for merchants and residents to move goods between streets. These structures emerged during Lyon's rise as a major European center for silk and finance.
The name traboule comes from the local Lyon dialect meaning "to pass through." The passage shows Italian influences that shaped the city's silk trade, with open galleries and stone staircases that remain part of daily life in the old town.
Access is on foot and the passage is generally open to walk through, with entry possible directly from the street. The interior can feel narrow and dimly lit, so good footwear is recommended, especially for climbing the stairs.
The passage was not merely a connection but also residential space, with apartments in the upper galleries where craftspeople and merchants housed their families. This shows how these structures wove private living and public function tightly together.
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