The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, one of the most beautiful churches in France, is one of the symbols of Lyon.
It overlooks the city from the hill of Fourvière, on the site where, in Roman times, the ancient Trajan Forum stood.
In 1168, Olivier de Chavannes built the first Christian chapel on the hill.
In 1870, with the outbreak of war between France and Prussia, the citizens of Lyon implored the bishop to make a vow to Our Lady of Fourvière to ensure that the city was not destroyed. When this wish was granted, and the city was saved, the actual construction of the church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, began.
The works begun in 1872 were partially completed in 1884. Only in 1964 were the works completed with mosaics and stained-glass windows.
The first stone laid in 1872 is preserved, decorated with lilies, at the bottom of the staircase of the main façade.
Building, 35 meters long and 86 meters wide, also has four crenellated towers 48 meters high.
The towers represent the four cardinal virtues: Strength, Justice, Prudence and Temperance.
Basilica of Notre-Dame has been a World Heritage Site since 1998.
From the terrace near the Basilica, you can enjoy an almost total view of Lyon and the French Alps.
