Hôtel de Ville de Lyon, Town hall in 1st arrondissement of Lyon, France
The Hôtel de Ville de Lyon is a town hall built in French Baroque style in the 1st arrondissement, featuring a symmetrical facade with nine bays framed by Ionic columns. A decorated clock tower rises above the roofline, and the building continues to function as Lyon's administrative center.
Construction began in 1646 and the building suffered severe fire damage in 1674, requiring extensive restoration work. The reconstruction shaped the city's appearance and reinforced its role as a regional administrative center.
This building sits at the heart of Place Bellecour and has shaped the identity of Lyon's historic center for centuries. Locals see it as a symbol of their city and it remains the focal point for civic celebrations and public gatherings.
Public access is limited to certain areas since the building remains an active administrative center and is subject to security restrictions. Exploring the exterior facade and the square in front of the building gives you a full appreciation of its architecture.
The bell tower houses a lunar clock and a carillon of 65 bells that was installed in 1919 and continues to ring regularly. This collection is among the most notable installations of its kind in the region.
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