Straight or spiral, made of granite or plywood, with or without a red carpet… the variety seems endless. Within this vast family of staircases, one Lyon staircase seems to stand out from the crowd. Indeed, this magnificent structure, dating back to the 16th century, demonstrates the incredible craftsmanship of the stonemasons and other artisans of the time. Let’s rewind history as we climb the steps of the “Shell Staircase” in Lyon’s 5th arrondissement.
The Shell Staircase in Old Lyon, a listed historic monument
Lyon certainly has a love affair with marine animals. After telling you about the underground labyrinth of the “fish bones, ” let’s now focus on this spiral staircase. Its construction defies the laws of physics, and even today, people wonder how it was built. Without computers, let alone artificial intelligence, our ancestors achieved the unthinkable: building a staircase without a central core, relying on engineering principles that remain daring even today. Stone, a symbol of weight and immobility, is transformed here into something alive…
A unique architectural heritage reflecting Lyon’s rich history
This house, whose facades and courtyard are remarkable, bears witness to our city’s rich past. Benefiting from Louis XI’s royal edict in 1463, which increased the number of annual fairs to four, Lyon became an essential commercial hub attracting Europe’s greatest merchants. The city exported silk and reached its peak during the 16th century, when all the great events took place in Lyon. Yet another testament to the city’s rich heritage, this Florentine house remains an example and a lesson from that prosperous era.
What’s striking about this structure is that it’s not a staircase like those at the Château de Chambord or the Château de Maulnes—which are also known for their exceptional value—but rather that of a simple house, still inhabited today.
“174 historic monuments within the designated area, three-quarters of which—a remarkable proportion—are civilian buildings that bear witness to the architectural quality of the housing.” This was written by Raymond Barre, then mayor of Lyon, in the preamble to the application for UNESCO status…
The staircase is located in a private building (10 rue de Lainerie, Lyon 5). If you’re lucky enough to be able to enter, we ask that you exercise the utmost discretion and strictly respect the residents’ peace and quiet.
