The Cathédrale St-Jean (St. John's Cathedral) is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Lyon, who holds the title "Primate of the Gauls" and is the leading Archbishop of France. The archdiocese of Lyon dates to Roman times, but the cathedral was built between the 12th and 15th centuries.

In the cathedral, you have the ability to admire one of the oldest astronomical clock in France. Its wrought iron mechanism was created during the XIVth century and contains a religious calendar, a perpetual calendar, and a surprising oval minute face. At 12, 14 and 15 o'clock sharp, several automatons give life, for few seconds, to that clock.

History
Before the construction of Lyon's cathedral, the churches of Ste Croix, St Etienne and a baptistery stood on the site. Remains of these structures can still be seen in an archaeological garden by the music school building.

The Cathédrale St-Jean Cathedral was built over several centuries, from 1180 to 1480, in the Romanesque and Gothic styles. The apse is Romanesque, but construction on the whole continued over three centuries.

Location: Place St-Jean

Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-noon and 2-7:30pm; Sun 8am-7pm

Cost: Free