Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Gothic Revival basilica on Fourvière Hill, Lyon, France
The white limestone basilica features four corner towers, each reaching 48 meters high, representing the cardinal virtues of Prudence, Temperance, Force, and Justice.
Construction of the religious complex began in 1872 through public donations, with architects Pierre Bossan and Louis Sainte-Marie-Perrin completing the main structure by 1884.
The basilica contains two separate churches stacked vertically, with the upper sanctuary displaying large mosaics that illustrate connections between Mary and France.
Visitors can access the observation deck at the basilica for panoramic views of Lyon, while guided tours explain the architectural details and religious significance.
The structure earned the local nickname 'upside-down elephant' due to its distinct architectural form, where the four towers appear as legs supporting the main body.
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 69005 Lyon
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: September 22, 2025 08:53
Lyon Cathedral
397 m
Metallic tower of Fourvière
181 m
Chapelle Saint-Thomas
22 m
Funiculaire de Saint-Paul - Fourviere
135 m
House of Pauline Jaricot
118 m
Religious art museum of Fourvière
48 m
Esplanade de Fourvière
61 m
Esplanade du Site Notre-Dame de Fourvière
46 m
Golden statue of Virgin Mary on Fourvière
26 m
Statue of Saint Michael on the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
29 m
Montée Nicolas de Lange
96 m
Saint Antoine de Padoue
47 m
Lion en granite
44 m
Chapelle Sainte-Claudine-Thévenet
97 m
Place du Cloître de Fourvière
41 m
Statue de Jésus-Christ
92 m
Esplanade de Fourvière
62 m
Curé d'Ars de la maison de Pauline Jaricot
107 m
Vierge à l'orbe de la maison de Pauline Jaricot
131 m
Notre-Dame du Bon Conseil de la chapelle Saint-Thomas
34 m
Foyer d'Accueil Médicalisé Jean-Pierre Delahaye
166 m
Sainte Anne du jardin du Rosaire
82 m
Statue de saint Joseph
66 m
Chapelle Sainte-Philomène
125 m
Maison Carrée
66 m
Égout romain de Lyon
109 m
Fontaine du jardin du Rosaire
157 m
Jardin du Rosaire
106 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes