Saint-Bonaventure Church, Lyon, France

The Saint-Bonaventure church's history is intimately related to the convent of the Cordeliers whose it was a part. It was built originally in the 13th century. The current church was built in just two years between 1325 and 1327. It housed the remains of Jacques de Grolée, died on 4 May 1327, which is under the high altar, before being moved somewhere near the epistle in 1599. The church was consecrated on 18 September 1328 by the archbishop of Lyon, Pierre IV of Savoy, under the name of St. Francis of Assisi. The church was expanded from 1471 to 1484 and was then named Saint-Bonaventure.

The choir was restored in 1607. It served as a granary grain after the French Revolution before being used to worship in 1806 to getting its current facade under the Cardinal Joseph Fesch's leadership.

Around 1890, the church was cleared of the curia and buildings bordering it on its side, which allowed the expansion of the rue Grolée on its western flank.

References:

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User Reviews

Jane N (16 months ago)
The church itself is ok. Really you should come to see the outstanding stained glass windows.

adam.marchlewski (3 years ago)
Not so busy church in Lyon downtown.

Antoine M (4 years ago)
This Church is so distinctive in this area and the only medieval building that seems to exist in this area of Rue de la République and place des Cordeliers. There are at least almost twenty chapels on both sides of the nave as you enter. Stunning organ gallery with spectacular stained-glass windows that light up this old but beautiful church. It's named after Saint Bonaventure, a cardinal who died in Lyon. One interesting factor that this church is oriented towards the south which is rare at the time. Beautiful Church worth visiting (when there's no services on) for all ages and backgrounds.

Екатерина Ермишина (4 years ago)
This church is just stunning and is home to many beautiful works of art.

Chau Paul (4 years ago)
I studied st. Bonaventure college and high school in Hong Kong

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The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.

The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.

Saint-Bonaventure Church

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