Why did the people of Bellecombe need their own church? The elegant Église Notre-Dame de Bellecombe stands before us, a testament to the determination of a community. Imagine Lyon in the late 19th century. The working-class residents of Bellecombe faced a long trek to Sainte-Anne de Baraban for Sunday service. Sainte-Anne de Baraban no longer exists. It has been replaced by the Église du Sacré-Cœur. The parishioners of Bellecombe, many of them poor laborers, petitioned for a local church. Their requests fell on deaf ears until a generous gift from the Serre family in 1885. This donation, commemorated by a plaque within the church’s right chapel, enabled the purchase of land and the start of construction. Église Notre-Dame de Bellecombe arose between 1886 and 1897, a symbol of community perseverance. The parishioners cleverly formed an association to oversee the project. This protected the Église Notre-Dame de Bellecombe from expropriation laws targeting religious buildings during that era. The church we see today showcases a stunning neo-Gothic style. A single door graces the façade, flanked by lancet windows and crowned by a beautiful rose window. Inside, two side chapels await exploration. The left chapel houses a statue of Saint Joseph, crafted by the artist Cartex. The church’s tall, slender bell tower, a prominent landmark, stands as a curious blend of architectural intent and political maneuvering. Originally planned for the façade, anti-clerical authorities forced a last-minute redesign, relocating it to the east end. The tower, while lacking a summital cross, boasts an array of gargoyles. Look closely at the vibrant stained-glass windows. Created by Pasquier-Sarrazin in 1901, they depict scenes from the life of Christ. The same year, a magnificent Merklin organ was installed, its melodies filling the newly consecrated space. The Église Notre-Dame de Bellecombe stands as a symbol of community spirit and resilience. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of collective action.
Hôtel de Cuzieu
Question. What stories could these walls tell? Right here we are standing before the Hôtel de Cuzieu at 30 rue