Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a basilica on Fourvière Hill in the 5th arrondissement of Lyon. The white limestone building features four corner towers, each 48 meters (157 feet) high, and consists of two churches stacked vertically, a bright upper sanctuary and a darker crypt.

Construction began in 1872 with public donations after the people of Lyon made a promise during the Franco-Prussian War. Architects Pierre Bossan and Louis Sainte-Marie-Perrin completed the main building in 1884, though final consecration took place only in 1896.

The upper church displays large mosaics showing scenes from Mary's life and events in French history. Pilgrims and visitors light candles in the crypt, a space that feels quite different from the bright church above.

Visitors can use an observation deck near the basilica to take in views of Lyon and the surrounding area. The basilica sits at the top of the hill and can be reached by stairs or a funicular railway, while guided tours explain the interior decoration and religious meaning.

Locals sometimes call the building an upside-down elephant because the four towers look like legs supporting the main body. Beneath the basilica runs an underground passage that once connected the crypt to other buildings in the complex.

Location: 5th arrondissement of Lyon

Inception: 1872

Architects: Pierre Bossan, Louis Sainte-Marie-Perrin

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: 8 Pl. de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 07:00-20:00; Sunday 07:00-21:00

Phone: +33478251301

Website: http://fourviere.org

GPS coordinates: 45.76229,4.82256

Latest update: December 7, 2025 08:21