Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Neo-Byzantine basilica on Fourvière Hill, Lyon, France
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.
The basilica's nickname, "the upside-down elephant", comes from its four corner towers, which look like legs supporting the main body. Since 1982 the tops of the two front crosses have carried antennas for Radio Fourvière, now Radio Chrétienne Francophone, along with other FM transmitters.
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