TheChurch of Saint-Bruno des Chartreux, a listed monument on the historic slopes of the Croix-Rousse, is a veritable icon of Lyon’s Baroque art. This religious edifice is even considered one of France’s finest Baroque temples. Its construction, spanning the XVIᵉ to the XVIIIᵉ centuries, saw a succession of masters such as Jean Magnan and Soufflot, giving it a unique architectural richness.
And this year, the contrast is total: the splendor of the Baroque unites with the softness of candlelight. The perfect acoustics of the Église Saint-Bruno light up for Candlelight concerts, transforming this sacred site into a stage of rare magic.
A place steeped in history
The history of Saint-Bruno begins with the austere Carthusian order. Founded in 1584, the Chartreuse du Lys Saint-Esprit was initially intended to reflect the simplicity of monastic life. However, the work carried out over more than a century resulted in a spectacular edifice, a symbol of the power of the Church at the time. Closed and sold as Bien National during the Revolution, the church survived destruction to be reborn as a parish church in the XIXᵉ century, marking the beginning of its reconquest.
Why is this church unique?
The uniqueness of Église Saint-Bruno lies in the detail, magnified by recent lengthy restorations. Its highlight is undoubtedly the Baldaquin, a monumental work of art that surmounts the altar.
This XVIIIᵉ century masterpiece, designed by Italian architect Giovanni Servandoni aided by Lyon masters such as Jacques-Germain Soufflot, is reputed to be unique in the world for its stuccoed real fabric draperies. It creates a divine, theatrical perspective of breathtaking beauty. Outside, the imposing 33-metre-high dome is a beacon on the Croix-Rousse hill.
What can you do at Église Saint-Bruno?
Although it has become a parish church, the building still plays a major liturgical and cultural role in Lyon. It’s a veritable museum housing art treasures of absolute rarity, including major paintings from the XVIIᵉ and XVIIIᵉ centuries and one of the city’s finest two-manual organs. Regular guided tours are organized, offering art lovers the privilege of deciphering the secrets of its nave and small cloister.
The building’s legendary acoustics open the door to exceptional events. The church lends itself to the most intimate cultural experiences: it hosts the famous Candlelight concerts, where the soft glow of candles sublimates the baroque edifice and its frescoes, creating a stage for classical or contemporary melodies.
What are the symbols of Saint-Bruno?
The church is imbued with the spirituality of the Carthusian Fathers, an order that advocates austerity and silence, in stark contrast to the opulence of the decor. Numerous symbols adorn the interior, including the exceptional lutrin (lectern) that decorates the former monks’ choir. It represents the Trinity and its theological mysteries, including the eagle (symbol of the Word of God), the grape (symbol of Christ) and the dove (the Holy Spirit).
In addition, the baldachin is surmounted by scrolls and palms bearing a vast crown, affirming Christ’s kingship. These details, often invisible to the untrained eye, tell the profound story of the order.
The secret of its name: Why is the Croix-Rousse so called?
The church is intimately linked to the history of the district. Unlike Fourvière(“the hill that prays”), Croix-Rousse was once known as “the hill that works”, due to the activity of the Canuts (silk workers).
But the name Croix-Rousse comes from a much simpler detail: in 1560, an ochre stone cross from Couzon, characterized by its reddish color, was installed on the hill’s plateau. Although often destroyed and rebuilt, it was this little cross that gave the suburb its name, a secret of Lyon’s history that the nearby church carries with it.
Where is it and how do I get there?
TheChurch of Saint-Bruno des Chartreux is located at 56 Rue Pierre Dupont in Lyon’s 1ᵉʳ arrondissement.
Access to this gem is easy via public transport. You’re just a few minutes from the Croix-Rousse metro station (line C) or the Clos Jouve stop, served by buses 13, 18, 2 and 45. Please note that access to the church is generally free, but guided tours of its hidden treasures (cloister, chapter house) are regularly organized.
Other places nearby L’Église de Saint-Bruno
Just a few minutes from L’Église de Saint-Bruno des Chartreux, you’ll find other addresses that open up to rare cultural experiences.
The Temple du Change and the Chapelle de la Trinité, two historic buildings in the city center, also play host to Candlelight concerts. Like Saint-Bruno, these sublime venues are transformed into magical stages where the soft glow of candlelight enhances Lyon’s architecture, creating timeless musical moments.