“Did you know this unassuming plaque holds centuries of secrets?” The Jacobins Plaque stands before us a quiet testament to Lyon’s rich past. It marks the site of a former convent a place of immense historical and religious significance. This wasn’t just any convent. It was home to the Jacobins also known as the Dominican Order of Preachers. Their presence here dates back to at least the 13th century.
Before it was the Place des Jacobins this area was known as the Place Confort. The name came from a chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-Confort. In the early 14th century the Jacobins acquired eleven houses on this square. They demolished these buildings to create a cemetery for the order.
But this quiet square became a stage for pivotal moments in history. In 1316 the Place Confort witnessed a momentous event. The chapel was transformed into a kind of makeshift conclave. The cardinals were confined there to elect a new pope after a two-year vacancy. Jean XXII emerged victorious. His election marked a significant point in the history of the papacy.
Forty years later in 1348 another significant event unfolded at the Place des Jacobins. Dauphin Humbert II of Viennois ceded his Dauphiné to the King of France. This act fundamentally altered the political landscape of France. It established the tradition of calling the heir to the French throne “Dauphin”.
The Jacobins church itself a grand structure built in 1450 was tragically demolished between 1817 and 1818. This was done to improve the view of the new prefecture that had been established on the site. Only one element of the church survived. The entrance arch designed by Thomas I de Gadagne was reused. Today you can find it on Rue Sully.
The plaque before us is more than just a marker. It is a window into a past filled with religious devotion political intrigue and momentous decisions that shaped the course of history. It reminds us that even the quietest of places can hold the echoes of great events. It is a testament to the rich and layered history that lies beneath the surface of Lyon. Let us reflect for a moment on the weight of history this little plaque bears before moving on.