In fact, it is the first building mentioned by UNESCO in its report—before the Church of Ainay or even the Church of Saint-Nizier —when discussing Lyon’s exceptional heritage. Its name, just like its primary function over the centuries, makes this building a curiosity in every respect and virtually unique in France.
The Manécanterie of Lyon, a House with 1,001 Stories
Its name is already unique in itself. Manécanterie? It’s a name that piques our curiosity: what on earth is this thing? We learn that the word comes from the Latin *mansio cantorium*, which means “the house of singers”! For in the 14th century, the building was a singing school for clerics and choirboys— a sort of early-day *Star Academy*!
Although it is still difficult today to pinpoint its exact origins, experts agree that its foundations date back to the 2nd and 8th centuries, while it was rebuilt to its current proportions in the 11th century. It was originally the canons’ refectory before becoming a “manécanterie” in 1394, a status it retained until the 19th century…
The site was chosen to host Henri II and Catherine de’ Medici with great pomp and circumstance in 1548 for the performance of a play. For the occasion, no expense was spared, and the premises were decorated with unimaginable splendor. But 14 years later, the scene changed somewhat… The Wars of Religion ransacked the building in 1562. The building rose from the ashes, but history repeated itself in 1789, when the French Revolution saw yet another episode of looting.
Today, it serves as a showcase for the treasures of Lyon Cathedral
Since then, the building has undergone numerous transformations, making it today a remarkable testament to the passage of time, with Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine influences! Since 1930, the Manécanterie has housed an incredible treasure.
Indeed, a precious collection of religious art is on display there, along with beautiful gold and silverware, tapestries, and other garments embroidered with gold… Upon entering the building, one cannot help but think of all those voices that echoed among its stones for five centuries, voices that had front-row seats to the spectacle…
