The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is an emblematic monument of Lyon’s religious architecture and a powerful symbol of the city’s cultural history. From the top of Fourvière hill, it keeps a watchful eye on Lyon’s inhabitants, and offers those with the faith to climb a spectacular view of the city. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the basilica has become an important place of pilgrimage and Marian devotion. But as well as being at the heart of religious life, it also plays a major role in Lyon’s cultural life.
Did you know that the Fourvière Basilica…
1. Is the origin of the Festival of Lights
Well, on December 8, 1852, the basilica didn’t exist, but the golden statue of Mary (now on the roof of the chapel) and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception thanking the Virgin Mary for saving Lyon from the plague did. Problem: on the evening of the inauguration of the famous statue, a terrible storm hit the city, ruining the celebrations. Once the skies cleared, the people of Lyon decided to light up their homes and the statue with the now-famous luminous lights. The Festival of Lights was born!
2. Located in the ancient capital of Gaul
Lyon’s history dates back to 43 BC, with the creation of Lugdunum. At the time, a site dedicated to the Celtic god Lug (hence Lugdunum) was chosen, better known today as the hill of Fourvière. While the Basilica already bears a rich history within its walls, the site on which it stands had already been sacred for a long time.
3. A crypt rich in symbolism and history
The crypt of Lyon’s Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a fascinating space, rich in history and spirituality. Located beneath the Basilica, it shares the same surface area as the latter, housing numerous relics, including eleven statues of the Virgin Mary from sanctuaries around the world. Thanks to these relics, the crypt has become a place of pilgrimage, attracting people from all over the world every year.
Candlelight concerts at the Crypt of the Basilique de Fourvière
Enjoy classical concerts, paying tribute to the greatest artists, in a sumptuous setting. Candlelight will fill the space with the soft light of thousands of candles, providing an intimate, almost solemn atmosphere to welcome the musicians. Like thousands of candles, Candlelight will add a new dimension to this already grandiose venue.
What else can you do at the Basilique de Fourvière?
As well as being a historic and religious monument that you can visit for hours on end, its location offers you a real stroll in the heights of Lyon. And if you’re going to climb, you might as well make the most of it! Among all the panoramic views, we recommend a stop at the Jardin des Curiosités, where you can admire the Opera, Place Bellecour and Confluence. Don’t miss the Passerelle des 4 vents, for a new view of the city, and then head back down to Vieux-Lyon via the Montée Nicolas Delange, a little passageway between the trees that will take you out of the city for a moment (and it’s better to go down than up, believe me).
Over time, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière has become an integral part of Lyon’s landscape and history. It bears witness to the importance of religion throughout the city’s history, and to the importance of the Virgin Mary as protector and guardian of its inhabitants. Whether for its location or its architecture, it’s well worth a visit, and the crypt joins the list of sumptuous places to host Candlelight’s musical tributes.