About
The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière sits high atop the Fourvière Hill in Lyon, France. It was built between 1872 and 1876, in the typical Baroque style of the period and offers a magnificent view over the city.

Its bell-tower was rebuilt in 1850 and was surmounted by a statue of the gilded bronze Virgin, carved by Joseph Fabisch. Its inauguration envisaged one September 8, 1852 could be made only one December 8. This day a dash of enthusiasm pushed the inhabitants to place candles on their windows. Thus was born a tradition which exists still today, that from the festival of the lights. Of style baroque, this basilica dominates the city and is one of the most visited monuments city.

History
Like the Basilique Sacré-Coeur in Paris, Lyon's basilica was built to underline the might of the Roman Catholic Church after the Prussian defeat of France in 1870 gave rise to the birth of the anticlerical Third Republic. Both basilicas also have in common a Byzantine style and hilltop site.

The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built on an ancient Roman forum by the architect Pierre Bossan. Erected next to the existing Chapel of the Vierge, the basilica was constructed between 1872 and 1876. Inside, it was richly decorated to demonstrate the Church's wealth and power (although in reality, it had only the former).

Hours:
Basilica: Daily 8-noon and 2-6
Observatory: Easter-Oct., daily 10-noon and 2-6; Nov.-Easter, weekends 2-6.
Services:
Mass at the Chapel: Mon-Fri 7:30am, 9am, 11am and 5pm; Sat 5pm; Sun 6:30am and 7:30am
Mass at the Basilica: Sun 7:30am, 9am, 11am and 5pm
Cost:
Free admission to basilica. Observatory EUR1.53.
Transportation:
From place St-Jean (6 rue de l’Antiquaille), take the funicular up the hill to the basilica.