It may be little known, but if you live in Lyon, you often pass by this gem, classified as a Historic Monument, without even knowing it. With its exceptional architecture, which has earned it the nickname “The Baroque Pearl,” its delicate Carrara marble decor, trompe-l’oeil paintings, and sculptures, the Trinity Chapel, in the heart of the Presqu’Île district, almost makes us forget reality and immerse ourselves in a dream. This religious building, long neglected, is regaining its place in the Lyon landscape.
It is located in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement, known for its many shops, small cafés, and delicious restaurants. Take a detour to Place des Terreaux and venture to the Museum of Fine Arts and its pretty garden after your visit. You’ll have no trouble finding things to do in the surrounding area.
Photo by John Samuel on Wikimedia Commons
A little history about the Chapelle de la Trinité
The first stone was laid on December 9, 1607, and the Trinity Chapel became a landmark in Lyon as the city’s first Baroque-style religious building, alongside the Church of Saint-Bruno des Chartreux. It was classified as a historic monument in 1939. An important chapter in its history is the installation of an astronomical observatory above the pediment of the church in 1702, creating Lyon’s first observatory.
Address: 31 rue de la Bourse, 69002 Lyon
What can you do at the Trinity Chapel?
Numerous cultural events
The Chapelle de la Trinité invites you to enjoy exceptional musical experiences thanks to its remarkable acoustics. Every year, a rich program of baroque music takes place under its roof, such as the Festival de Musique Ancienne de Lyon and the prestigious Concerts de la Chapelle. You will also have the opportunity to attend conferences, exhibitions, and even fashion shows (Lyon is known for its fabrics, after all). And finally, located in the heart of the peninsula, you will be in the middle of the shopping district when you leave, surrounded by restaurants and shops where you can stroll all afternoon.
Candlelight concerts
Imagine a myriad of candles hugging the clean lines of the Chapelle de la Trinité, making it shine brightly and offering an unforgettable sensory experience. With its soft classical sounds, talented musicians, and candlelit audience, you’ll be completely swept away by the poetry of the concert. Enjoy a variety of concerts paying tribute to all types of genres and artists from the history of music! It’s an opportunity to rediscover your favorite artists under the soft glow of candlelight.
Anecdotes and interesting facts about Trinity Chapel
1. The astronomical observatory
During his visit to Lyon, Dominique Cassini, a member of the Royal Academy of Sciences, persuaded Father Jean de Saint-Bonnet to create the city’s first observatory above the church in 1702. The impressive building featured a rectangular room lit by four windows and two towers. Unfortunately, it was largely destroyed during the siege of Lyon in 1793 and was not restored until 1817 by François Clerc. However, it no longer met the needs of astronomy at the time and, following the creation of the Faculty of Sciences in Lyon, the observatory moved to the Palais Saint-Pierre in 1863.
2. Fallen into oblivion
The chapel was deconsecrated in 1920 and sold, along with its organ, to the commune of Saint-Chef in Isère. It thus lost its prestige and was even used as a gymnasium from 1930 to 1937. Its historical importance was only recognized when it was classified as a historical monument on August 23, 1939. After a €1,700,000 restoration project begun in the 1990s by the municipality of Lyon and the Rhône-Alpes region, the chapel is now a popular venue for classical music concerts and conferences, particularly as part of the Quais du Polar festival.
Photo by John Samuel on Wikimedia Commons
Did you know? The magic of Candlelight events, classical music concerts held by candlelight, has taken hold in unusual and magnificent venues in the Capital of Gaul. Following their confirmed success, they are returning to breathe a little more magic into the splendid Trinity Chapel.