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BasilicaChristianityComponent of Historic Site of Lyon — World Heritage Site (1998)

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière · Fourvière Basilica

Lyon, Métropole de Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France Dedication / Patron Saint: Virgin Mary

Major Marian sanctuary overlooking Lyon, combining pilgrimage, active Catholic worship and a distinctive 19th-century basilica.

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Sacred Place Overview

About Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Identity, documented context and sacred significance.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France and is a major Marian sanctuary overlooking Lyon, combining pilgrimage, active Catholic worship and a distinctive 19th-century basilica.. The present basilica was financed by public subscription and built under architects Pierre Bossan and Louis Sainte-Marie Perrin.

The official history records the first stone in 1872, consecration in June 1896, and elevation to the rank of basilica by Pope Leo XIII the following year. Decorative and artistic work continued after the principal structure was complete. Architecturally, the site is principally Historicist Romanesque-Byzantine.

Its documented heritage context includes Major Marian basilica and Lyon landmark; it is also recorded as Component of Historic Site of Lyon — World Heritage Site (1998). Lyon’s Marian devotion at Fourvière includes civic vows made in times of danger, notably the 1643 plague vow. Later generations interpreted deliverance and protection through a devotional lens; these attributions are religious tradition. Religious life or devotional practice associated with the site includes Mass, Marian prayer, and pilgrimage.

Sacred Place at a Glance

A concise view of the place, tradition, location and heritage details available for this Sacred Place.

Place TypeBasilica
Religious TraditionChristianity
Tradition / DenominationCatholic
Dedication / Patron SaintVirgin Mary
LocationLyon, Métropole de Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
CountryFrance
Established / Period1896 (consecrated; basilica title 1897)
ArchitectureHistoricist Romanesque-Byzantine
HeritageComponent of Historic Site of Lyon — World Heritage Site (1998)

Faith, Tradition & Sacred Association

Religious tradition, dedication and sacred associations connected with this place.

Religious TraditionChristianity
Tradition / DenominationCatholic
Dedication / Patron SaintVirgin Mary

History & Sacred Tradition

Documented history, sacred narrative and editorial synthesis are kept visibly separate.

Historical Record

The present basilica was financed by public subscription and built under architects Pierre Bossan and Louis Sainte-Marie Perrin. The official history records the first stone in 1872, consecration in June 1896, and elevation to the rank of basilica by Pope Leo XIII the following year. Decorative and artistic work continued after the principal structure was complete.

Sacred Tradition

Lyon’s Marian devotion at Fourvière includes civic vows made in times of danger, notably the 1643 plague vow. Later generations interpreted deliverance and protection through a devotional lens; these attributions are religious tradition.

Architecture & Sacred Complex

Historicist Romanesque-Byzantine · Major Marian basilica and Lyon landmark · Component of Historic Site of Lyon — World Heritage Site (1998)

Worship & Services

Documented worship, observances and practices where available.

Mass
Marian prayer
pilgrimage

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Information Status

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Unverified
Last checked
September 25, 2026