The city of Lyon holds many mysteries. Like Île Barbe or the Saint-Jean Astronomical Clock, which have as many legends as years of existence, here’s another place that’s not bad in its genre. You might even say it’s a step up. Thrill-seekers are in for a treat. And we’re talking about angels, because this time we’re talking about a church like no other: l’Église du Bon-Pasteur. The high mass of the fart starts now!
Building a place of worship in every sense of the word
The crazy story of this church in the heart of the Croix-Rousse began with the presence of Napoleon III. In 1869, the Emperor came to lay the foundation stone in circumstances that were already disastrous: the Franco-Prussian war in the aftermath brought construction to a screeching halt. The construction phase was once again interrupted by the discovery of animal bones of all kinds, covered by Roman tiles… Satanic ritual or ancient ossuary, whatever the case, we’ve seen better welcome gifts.
The people of Lyon would have to wait 14 long years before being able to pay their respects in this parish. Another peculiarity is that the steps leading up to the main entrance never existed; the faithful had to use the side doors. A strange way to enter the house of the Lord, which by definition is always open…
But where does the series of miscellaneous facts about the Church of the Good Shepherd end?
Quickly disused, the church fell into a state of sordid disrepair. A fire in the ’80s and the continuing deterioration of the premises, coinciding with the presence of Beaux-Arts students using the site at the same time, continue to fuel the legend surrounding this church. Some talk of a squat, satanic meetings and all that goes with it. It’s impossible to know what’s true and what’s false, but what’s certain is that, given the current state of the premises, the church wasn’t just visited by altar boys.
As you’ll have gathered, Lyon’s Église du Bon-Pasteur doesn’t take half-measures when it comes to events, and seems to have only its name to console itself. Whatever the case, it feeds our imagination, and continues to do so. We remind you that the premises are closed and strictly forbidden to the public and, believe us, you’d be better off staying under the comforter!