Imagine, if you will, Lyon in the late 16th century. The city pulsates with a fervent desire to revive Roman Catholicism. This sets the stage for the story of the \u00c9glise Saint-Bruno-les-Chartreux.
At the time, royalty and clergy sought to create new monasteries. They also enlarged existing ones. The hill of La Croix-Rousse became a hub of religious activity. Thirteen religious communities settled there from 1584 onward. This earned it the nickname “the hill that prays”.
It all began when Carthusian monks from Grenoble sought to establish a monastery in Lyon. King Henri III granted his consent in 1584. He even pledged 30000 livres for its construction. Henri also chose its name Chartreuse du Lys St Esprit.
Construction of the \u00c9glise Saint-Bruno-les-Chartreux commenced in 1590. It occurred in two phases. The first phase lasted until 1690. It included the choir, small cloister, sacristy and monks’ cells. The second phase took place in the 18th century. It involved completing the nave, transept and side chapels. Renovations and extensions continued throughout the 19th century.
The Carthusians acquired the Girofl\u00e9e estate. They gradually expanded their property to 24 hectares. This allowed them to live a life of solitary contemplation.
Inside the \u00c9glise Saint-Bruno-les-Chartreux, the choir originally had five windows. Ferdinand-Sigismond Delamonce blocked several during the second phase. Rococo choir stalls showcase reversed volutes and garlands.
Statues from 1628 stand on the pilasters of the Munet arch. Crafted by Sarazin, they represent Saint Bruno of Cologne and Saint John the Baptist. The statues add to the pathetic expressions.
Before 1890, the Carthusian Rule dictated an austere liturgy. The church had no organ music until it became a parish church. Today, the church organ is renowned as the best of the double keyboards in Lyon.
The Munet arch marks the transition between the choir and the crossing. Melchior Munet built it in the 18th century. The altar, designed by Servandoni and modified by Soufflot, is double-sided.
The baldachin is a highlight. Servandoni created this in the 18th century. It magnifies the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Marble columns support wooden capitals.
The crossing dome features eight oval windows. Polygonal decorations crown them. Four pendentives display decorations inspired by the Four Evangelists.
In contrast, the nave’s decoration is more sober. It reflects the Carthusian spirit. Arched vaults adorn the ceiling.
Renovations in the 19th century altered the side chapels. Altars were reoriented. Windows were blocked.
Before 1870, the west front was a flat wall. Louis-Jean Sainte-Marie Perrin designed a new fa\u00e7ade. It consisted of three receding levels.
The dome measures 10 meters high and 39 meters in circumference. A lantern tops it with a cross on a globe.
The \u00c9glise Saint-Bruno-les-Chartreux stands as a testament to faith. It is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture in Lyon. Its history echoes the city’s religious revival. Its art reflects centuries of devotion. The \u00c9glise Saint-Bruno-les-Chartreux is a true jewel.