Picture the grandeur of Église Saint-Denis-de-la-Croix-Rousse. It stands proudly a testament to Lyon’s rich history. This church isn’t just a building it’s a living story etched in stone and stained glass.
The present Église Saint-Denis-de-la-Croix-Rousse began its life much later than you might think. Construction started in 1830 and finished in 1840. This wasn’t the first church on this site though. A much earlier church dedicated to Saint Denis stood here. That original church was destroyed during the French Revolution. Imagine the turmoil that era must have brought to this very spot. The Augustinian monks who initially built the church were also driven out their property sold as national assets.
The architect Antoine-Marie Chenavard designed the current building. He created a striking contrast. The facade boasts a rather austere Baroque style. The interior however is neo-Romanesque. Later additions brought Byzantine-inspired decoration adding layers of beauty and historical evolution.
One of the most remarkable features is the church’s organ. It’s undergone several transformations. Its earliest iteration was built around 1880 by Guetton-Dangon. A later renovation in 1968 by Dunand of Villeurbanne transformed the instrument. It now blends the best of different eras. The sound today echoes with a unique charm.
The interior holds treasures beyond the organ. Seven objects are classified as historical artifacts. These include paintings such as Saint Fortunat interceding with the Virgin for the healing of a sick child. This is a work that was long mistakenly attributed to Jacques Blanchard. This is a smart-aleck fact that many visitors might miss. It’s actually by Germain Panthot a less famous but equally skilled painter. There’s also a stunning reliquary of Saint Denis and the captivating Portrait of Abbot Nicod.
The church’s vaults also display the impressive work of Auguste Perrodin. He was a former collaborator of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. His murals depict scenes of biblical significance. The central painting shows Christ blessing the faithful. The surrounding paintings depict Saint Paul Saint Denis Rustique Éleuthère and other martyrs. The whole scene is awe-inspiring.
The Église Saint-Denis-de-la-Croix-Rousse is more than just a place of worship. It’s a vibrant link to Lyon’s past its people and their faith. It’s a reminder that even in times of destruction and change beauty and spirituality can endure. Take a moment to truly appreciate this remarkable place its history its art and the spirit that lives within these walls.