Lyon Cathedral

Lyon Cathedral is a religious building in the Old Town that blends Romanesque and Gothic styles across its structure. The front facade features sculptural details, carved stone decorations, and three large entrance doors.

Construction started in 1175 under architect Jacques de Beaujeu and took over 300 years to complete. The building officially opened in 1480 after its long development process.

It serves as the seat of Lyon's Archbishop and hosts regular religious services and ceremonies. Visitors can observe daily Catholic worship and spiritual life taking place within its walls.

The cathedral welcomes visitors throughout the day and allows for self-guided exploration of the interior. It is best to visit outside of religious service times to fully enjoy the space without interruptions.

Inside sits a 14th-century mechanical clock that does much more than tell time. It tracks moon phases and constellation positions through an intricate system of gears and levers built centuries ago.

Location: 5th arrondissement of Lyon

Inception: 1175

Architects: Jacques de Beaujeu

Official opening: 1480

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture, Gothic architecture

Height: 44 m

Address: 8 place Saint-Jean 69005 Lyon

Website: https://primatiale.fr

GPS coordinates: 45.76083,4.82722

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:37