- 8 place des jacobins, 69002 Lyon
- observe the plaque in memory of the convent
- What you need to know
The plaque you see reminds us that the Place des Jacobins in Lyon is home to a rich history linked to the Jacobin convent. This convent was founded in June 1218 by the preaching friars, approved by the Pope only two years earlier. Initially installed between the Primatiale and Saint-Just, they moved in 1237 to build a new convent on the edge of the lands of the Ainay abbey, later known as Notre-Dame de Confort.
At the heart of this convent, an imposing church dedicated to Our Lady of Comfort was erected, becoming a popular place of devotion in Lyon. The structure underwent transformations over the centuries, welcoming families and brotherhoods who contributed financially for the celebration of masses. The Jacobin Convent was much more than a place of worship. It housed a library from its beginnings in 1228, emphasizing its role as a study center for the Dominican friars. These religious, although living in poverty, sought benefactors to finance the purchase of books essential to their theological training. Located in the heart of Lyon, the Jacobin Convent was an active and influential ecclesiastical institution, closely linked to the political and ecclesial life of the city.
The cemetery, which occupied a large part of the Place des Jacobins before its transformation into a public square in the 16th century, bears witness to the practice of mendicant orders of accepting burials, thus generating income.
Finally, the Jacobin Convent has been the scene of major political events, including the election of Pope John XXII and the union of Dauphiné with France. These historical events have left an indelible mark on the Place des Jacobins, recalling the rich history of this emblematic place in Lyon.
- Archive images