Lyon - Notre-Dame de Fourviere basilica

by Olivier Parent

Title

Lyon - Notre-Dame de Fourviere basilica

Artist

Olivier Parent

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Notre-Dame of Fourvière basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is listed as a historical monument, registered to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, considered as the emblem of the city of Lyon (France), the basilica welcomes over 2.5 million pilgrims and visitors every year.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built between 1872 and 1884 in a dominant position overlooking the city, and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, to whom is attributed the salvation of the city of Lyon from the bubonic plague that swept Europe in 1643. Each year in early December (December 8, day of the Immaculate Conception), Lyon thanks the Virgin for saving the city by lighting candles throughout the city, in what is called the Fête des Lumières or the Festival of Lights. The Virgin is also credited with saving the city a number of other times, such as from a Cholera epidemic in 1832, and from Prussian invasion in 1870.

Perched on top of the Fourvière hill, the basilica looms impressively over the city of Lyon, from where it can be seen from many vantage points. The design of the basilica, by Pierre Bossan, draws from both Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, two non-Gothic models that were unusual choices at the time. It has four main towers, and a belltower topped with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. The basilica has acquired the local nickname of "the upside-down elephant", because the building looks like the body of an elephant and the four towers look like its legs. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière features fine mosaics, superb stained glass, and a crypt of Saint Joseph.

This image is available as canvas print, framed print, acrylic print, metal print, wood print or poster in a variety of sizes. It can also be printed as a greeting card, T-shirt, jigsaw puzzle, throw pillow, duvet cover, shower curtain, fleece blanket, beach or bath towel, tote bag, zip pouch, phone case, coffee mug, yoga mat, spiral notebook, etc.

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February 19th, 2021

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