Saint-Jean Cathedral: Gothic Treasure and Spiritual Heart of Lyon

Welcome to the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, also called Primatiale Saint-Jean, seat of the primate of Gaul. Located in the heart of Old Lyon, it is an exceptional architectural testimony, mixing Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Construction

Its construction, spread over three centuries, from 1175 to 1481, makes this building a unique witness to the evolution of styles and know-how over the centuries.

Astronomical Clock

Inside, you will discover one of its most fascinating pieces: a 16th-century astronomical clock. It indicates the time, date, positions of the moon, sun, Earth and even the stars above Lyon. Surprisingly, due to the knowledge of the time, the mechanism places the Earth at the center, with the sun rotating around it. This extremely precise device worked until 2019, a true technological feat for its time. Also enjoy the unique spectacle of the astronomical clock that comes to life at several times of the day. The chimes sound four times a day: at noon, then at two, three and four in the afternoon. With each chime, nineteen automatons start moving, offering a fascinating spectacle that immerses spectators in the magic of this ancient mechanism.

Architecture

The cathedral also houses superb stained glass windows, some of which date back to the early 12th century. Marvel at the large central rose window that adorns the façade, offering a symphony of colours that filter the light in a masterful way. The façade itself is composed of three portals, including the middle one that points towards the majestic rose window of the lamb (represented in its centre) with its 12 metres in diameter. The façade is also decorated with relief medallions, which illustrate scenes from the Old and New Testaments as well as monastic life. We recommend the quadrilobes.fr website to discover all the medallions. These portals were once decorated with statues, but these were decapitated during the Wars of Religion. The troops of Baron des Adrets, fervent defenders of the Protestant faith, opposed any religious representation deemed idolatrous. Also notice the very high triangular gable which exceeds the two facade towers.

Historic event

Finally, Saint John Cathedral was the scene of major historical events: the coronation of Pope John XXIII in 1316, the marriage of Henry IV and Marie de Medici in 1600, and the presentation of the cardinal's biretta to Richelieu in 1622.