A commemorative plaque marks a significant event here at Chapelle Sainte Monique. What story does this plaque tell?
This Chapelle Sainte Monique plaque marks Lyon’s rich history. Lyon boasts 2000 years of history. The city preserves its past. UNESCO recognizes Lyon as a world heritage site. Civil and religious monuments dot Lyon. Some monuments date back to antiquity.
Let’s focus on a related site nearby. The Chapelle de la Trinité is a jewel of Baroque architecture. It’s one of the largest chapels the Jesuits built in France. It measures 500 square meters. Tony Desjardins restored it in the 19th century. Jean-Gabriel Mortamet restored it in the 1990s. Didier Repellin worked on it from 1997 to 1999.
The Chapelle de la Trinité hosts Baroque Music Festivals at Christmas. The Festivals Association organizes chapel concerts here. In February 2012, a commemorative plaque marked an anniversary. It celebrated the 210th anniversary of the 1st Italian Republic. Napoleon Bonaparte proclaimed it in the chapel on January 26, 1802. Five hundred Italian deputies attended.
The architect Étienne Martellange created the Chapelle de la Trinité. He was a Jesuit brother. He introduced Counter-Reformation architectural models to Lyon. The chapel was built between 1617 and 1622. It’s within the Grand Collège building. The Jesuits directed the college since 1567. It was devoted to college students. Francis de Sales consecrated it in 1622. It became a monument historique in 1939. People called it “La Perle Baroque”.
The chapel lost its furniture over time. The decor is refined. It features Carrara marble. Until September 1799, it served as barracks. In 1801, the First Consul was proclaimed President of the Italian Republic here.
Thomas Blanchet, Horace le Blanc, Magnan, and Pierre David contributed art. They were sculptors or painters. About 30000 people visit the chapel each year.
In the 1990s, Lyon restored the chapel. Twelve chandeliers now illuminate it. They resemble 17th-century chandeliers.
The Chapelle Sainte Monique plaque links us to this broader historical narrative. It reminds us of Lyon’s religious heritage. It connects us to significant events.