Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On Fourvière Hill, you can tour the basilica, enjoy a panoramic city view, and visit the
Roman Theaters and Gallo-Roman Museum, then catch another funicular back down and
explore the old town. I've listed key sights below according to this route.
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Notre-Dame Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière)
This ornate, gleaming church fills your view as you exit the funicular. In about the year
1870, the bishop of Lyon vowed to build a worthy tribute to the Virgin Mary if the Prus-
sians spared his city. They did, so construction started in earnest, with more than 2,000
workers on site (similar deal-making led to the construction of the basilica of Sacré-Cœur
in Paris.) Building began in 1872, and the church was ready for worship by World War I.
Cost and Hours:
Free, daily 8:00-19:00; weekday Mass usually at either 7:15 or
9:30, then at 11:00 and 17:00; Sun Mass at 7:30, 9:30, 11:00, and 17:00.
