Visiting Saint John Cathedral
In the 5th arrondissement of Lyon, in the heart of its medieval quarter, stands the Saint John Cathedral. Its construction spanned 3 centuries and was anything but straightforward.
History
Patiens, the bishop of Lyon, built the first religious structure on this site in 469. Unfortunately, the church was nearly destroyed during the Saracen invasions of the 8th century. In the 9th century, Leidrade, another local bishop appointed by Charlemagne, restored the abandoned site.
The cathedral saw its greatest expansion during the 11th and 12th centuries, despite a chaotic process. The canons of the Lyon chapter elected Dreux de Beauvoir as archbishop, while Pope Alexander III sought to impose Guichard de Potigny. This would have been a minor detail if one had not been accustomed to wealth and splendor, while the other had taken a vow of poverty. This led to complex negotiations.
Initially built in the traditional Romanesque style, the structure began incorporating Gothic architecture starting in 1235. The presence of the Pope in Lyon between 1244 and 1251 helped accelerate construction, despite unstable funding. Beginning in the 15th century, numerous Flamboyant Gothic chapels were added to the building.
During the French Revolution, the building was damaged and subsequently abandoned. It was not until the coronation of Napoleon, who wanted to honor Pope Pius VII as he arrived for the ceremony, that rapid renovation work was conducted. Significant restorations did not begin until 1832, finally concluding in 1896.
During the German retreat in World War II, the demolition of nearby bridges shattered the cathedral windows. Fortunately, the stained glass had been removed for safekeeping, allowing us to admire it today.
The building underwent numerous subsequent restorations of its facade and stained glass, particularly between 1981 and 2013.
This immense cathedral, rich in its architectural diversity, is an iconic landmark of the city and of French architectural history.
I loved Old Lyon and its medieval neighborhood. This superb Gothic cathedral is hard to miss! I loved the astronomical clock and the magnificent stained glass windows. Once you have finished your visit, do not forget to walk around to discover the shops and grab a bite to eat! The whole neighborhood is worth lingering in. And of course, the facade is lit up during the Festival of Lights, which makes it even more splendid.