The City of Lyon
Many people may associate Lyon with Interpol and EuroNews, since it houses the headquarters of these two major institutions, but there is much more to discover about Lyon, and you’ll only really appreciate its charm on a tour of your own. Furthermore, other great attributes of the city are gastronomy and cinema. People say that you’ll find the best cuisine in France here, together with the charm of the old French cities that has become lost under a sea of comercialism.
Founded by the Romans in the first century BC, on the very spot of an old Celtic fort that was called Lugus; the name comes from the Celtic equivalent of god Mercurius, Lug, whose representative totem was the cock. So, here’s the often searched for explanation of the Gallic cock, the rooster that is almost an epitome of France. Even from the dawn of its history, Lyon was an important hub, and a true starting point for many of the Roman roads in Gaul.
During the Roman Empire, Lyon was the main city of Gaul and two of the emperors were born here: Claudius and Caracalla. Even nowadays the archbishop of Lyon is referred to as the primate of Gaul. The beginning of Christianity in the area, saw nonetheless some persecutions of the first Christians and many believers and turned many into martyrs. On a more positive note this is also the place where the Lumière brothers invented cinema at the end of the 19th century.
Among the city’s landmarks and another great tourist attraction is the St. Jean Cathedral built in the 12th century on the ruins of a former religious establishment that goes back to the 600’s. There are several important elements worth mentioning and visiting; first of all, the edifice includes a Bourbon chapel, a true masterpiece of the artwork specific to the 15th century. Furthermore, the crosses on either side of the alter are preserved since the 13th century when they were used during the Church Council of 1274.
The Metallic Tower of Fourviere is another of Lyon’s famous sights, this an example of modern architecture, which resembles the Eiffel Tower in framework. A true landmark of Lyon, the inauguration of the Tower marked the beginning of the 20th century for the city’s history. It perfectly counterbalances the landscape being closely situated to the Basilica of Fourviere another great religious building. In the past it used to house a restaurant, but presently it is used for a television tower and is closed to the public.
The Basilica Fourviere
I’ve got great news for music fans! Lyon has one of the largest opera houses in France, built at the beginning of the 1830s and undergone several restorations since, the building stands out by it’s magnificent architecture. Along the years, many of the world’s premieres have been performed here; we could thus mention Erwartung by Arnold Schoenberg. L’Opera National de Lyon is very likely to offer some very exquisite and pleasant evenings to any tourist who would like to appreciate high quality European music.
Last but not least, remember that Lyon is the capital of French gastronomy, so will be a true gourmet’s paradise. Among the local specialties, we need to mention the pork dishes that are absolutely delicious particularly in combination with soft cheese and herbs, then ham and lentils or quenelles dumplings that are a combination of fish, semolina and butter. For hungry stomachs there is much more to try. You’ll be surprised to find out how the French have made regular cuisine a true work of art.