Built in the late 1800’s, this basilica is very new by European standards. It stands on top of Fourvière hill, on the site that once occupied the Roman forum of Trajan, and commands a spectacular view over Lyon. 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 (we kinda saw it when we crunched up our eyes … a lot).
Here are a few pic from our visit to the basilica … enjoy!
View from halfway up the gardens, on route to the basilica.
Walking through the rose garden with the basilica in the background.
Golden statue of the Virgin Mary atop the tower on the right. She’s credited with saving the city multiple times from plagues and invasions.
Statue of Saint George on top of the tower, slaying his dragon ...
Down in the crypt, which was built under the main sanctuary. Basically a church on top of a church ...
View from outside the basilica looking over Lyon. Supposedly you can see Mont Blanc, the highest point in Europe, from here on a clear day.
