Saint-Jean Cathedral

The central square of Vieux-Lyon, Place Saint-Jean is the oldest in the city. Overlooked by the Saint-Jean-Baptiste cathedral, Lyon’s largest and most important church, the square features a fountain representing an ancient temple and a sculpture of Saint John the Baptist. The cathedral, formerly known as the Primatiale des Gaules, is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, a testimony of the fact that it took over three hundred years to be build. From 1175 to 1481. A succession of architects began building it during the Romanesque period, then gradually modified it to incorporate Gothic elements, as they came into fashion. It suffered from several historical events, Wars of Religion, the Revolution and the siege of Lyon in 1793. The city had to undertake major restorations in the 19th century and again in the second half of the 20th century, after German troops sabotaged its stained-glass windows in 1944. Inside, juxtaposed with the Chapelle Saint-Jean-l’Evangéliste on the left, you can observe an astronomical clock dating back to the 14th century. It indicates the date, the positions of the moon, the sun and the earth, as well as the rising of the stars over Lyon. Obviously, on this clock, it is the Sun that revolves around the Earth, a common belief at that time.. It was in this cathedral that Marie de Médicis wed King Henri IV in 1600! Before entering the cathedral, approach the porch and turn around for a superb view over the Basilica of Fourvière!