Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Lyon

Lyon’s Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Lyon isn’t just a beautiful building. It’s a testament to resilience. A beacon of remembrance. It stands as a solemn reminder of a dark chapter in Lyon’s history: the Siege of Lyon in 1793. The Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Lyon, also known as the Chapelle des Missionnaires de Notre-Dame, replaced two earlier monuments. The first, a cenotaph, was finished in May 1795, only to be burned down in January 1796. The second, built in 1819 and also dedicated to the Holy Cross, was demolished during later urban development. The current Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Lyon, designed by Paul Pascalon, was constructed between 1898 and 1901. It was consecrated on August 2, 1906. Its neo-Byzantine style adds to its unique presence in the city. Initially cared for by the Capuchin Fathers, the Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Lyon was entrusted to the Famille Missionnaire de Notre-Dame in May 1979. Beneath the chapel lies a poignant crypt. It serves as an ossuary for victims of the revolutionary wars of 1793 and 1794. Inside the Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Lyon, a chilling list of names adorns the left wall. These are the victims of the Reign of Terror in Lyon. Many names include professions, titles, or social statuses, offering a glimpse into the lives tragically cut short. The crypt, holding the remains of those executed during the siege, can be visited by appointment. Imagine the stories these bones could tell. Stories of ordinary citizens caught in extraordinary circumstances. The Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Lyon isn’t just about the past. It’s about remembrance, reflection, and the enduring spirit of Lyon. It’s a place where the echoes of history whisper. It reminds us to learn from the past and strive for a more peaceful future.