Rue Juiverie

You are now in rue Juiverie, the heart of the old Jewish quarter. Here I suggest you to look up slightly and observe the various coats of arms hanging on either side of the street. These are the coats of arms of the town’s various aldermen, from Guy de la Mure in 1294 to Jacques Imbert Colomès, who held the position just before the Revolution. In the past, aldermen were elected for two years by a lord to administer justice on his lands. Over time, they became magistrates of the city council, the equivalent of what we now call deputy mayors or town councilors. It was only after the Revolution that the aldermen were abolished and replaced by mayors and town councils. This street is a fine tribute to the past, honouring the names of people, who have left their mark on the history of French towns. The street has hosted Jewish people since the 13th century. In the Middle Ages, the Jewish community was dynamic and prosperous, taking an active part in trade and crafts. The neighborhood around you held their homes, shops, and synagogues. But like everywhere else, the history of the Jews was marked by persecution, and they were driven out of Lyon in 1349 following to violent riots. Nevertheless, the street has kept its name, and is included to one of the city’s most popular districts.