The Basilica of Ainay

The Basilica of Ainay is a church located in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, France. It is one of the oldest churches in the city and has a rich and interesting history. Here are some facts about it:

Ancient origins

The Basilica of Ainay dates back to at least the 5th century, although the current church was built in the 11th century. It is dedicated to Saint Martin of Ainay, a disciple of Saint Martin of Tours.

Scenographic plan of Lyon around 1550 plate 06
Scenographic plan of Lyon around 1550 plate 06 – Lyon Municipal Archives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Romanesque architecture

The basilica is a fine example of Romanesque architecture. It has a sober but elegant façade, semicircular arches, and interior decoration typical of this period. Its architectural style shows influences from Burgundian Romanesque art, making it a unique monument in the Lyon region.

Saint Martin Ainay nave
ChatPardeur, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Artistic treasures

The interior of the Basilica of Ainay houses various artistic treasures, including paintings, sculptures and stained glass windows dating from different periods. These works of art bear witness to the historical and cultural importance of the church.

Ainay redemption malaucene
Lucien Begule, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Basilica status

The Basilica of Ainay received the honorary title of minor basilica by Pope Saint Pius X on June 13, 1905, thus recognizing its religious and historical importance.

Pius X, by Ernest Walter Histed (retouched)
Pope Pius X – Ernest Walter Histed, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Active place of worship

The basilica is still an active place of worship and regularly hosts religious services, weddings and other ceremonies of importance to the local community.

In summary, the Basilica of Ainay in Lyon is a remarkable historical monument, witness to the history of the city and Romanesque architecture in the region. It remains an important place of worship and a tourist attraction for visitors interested in the cultural heritage of Lyon.

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Map of the must-sees

Rosa Mir Garden

The Court of the Voracious

Bellevue Square

The Gardens of the Grande-Côte

Place des Jacobins

Chapel of the Trinity

Saint-Georges district

The Basilica of Ainay

Saint-Nizier Church

International City

Amphitheater of the Three Gauls

Saint Bonaventure Church

Statue of Saint Exupéry

Saint-Antoine Food Market

St. John's Cathedral

Hotel-Dieu of Lyon

The traboules of Old Lyon

Printing Museum

The Museum of Confluences

St. Peter's Palace

The Bartholdi Fountain

The Fresco of the Lyonnais

The painted walls

Merciere Street

Lyon Opera

Light Institute

The Confluence

Old Lyon

Golden Head Park

Place des Terreaux

Bellecour Square

The Gadagne Museum

The Canuts' house

Ancient Theatre of Fourvière

Banks of the Rhone

Museum of Fine Arts

The Paul Bocuse Halls

Our Lady of Fourviere

The Banks of the Saône

Climbs of the Croix-Rousse

Brotteaux district

Lyon Aquarium

Barbe Island

CHRD - resistance museum

Brochier Silk Museum

Guignol Theatre of the Park

Little Guignol Museum

The House of Guignol

Mini World Lyon

The Cinema Museum

Fourvière Museum

Subsistences

Other places

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Pierre Bossan

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