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The Saint-John Cathedral, or also called Saint John “Primatiale” is situated in the historic center of Vieux Lyon, within the Saint John district itself. Started between the eleventh and the twelfth century, the cathedral knew several modifications throughout the ages, mixing the Romanesque style with the gothic inspiration, clear proof of the prolonged time it takes to build entirely the cathedral (It took more than 300 years to build it!). The actual cathedral was built at the same place than a previous church, dismantled as and when the new cathedral was built.

Build on the basis of a Latin cross, the Saint John cathedral respect the normative construction of religious edifice, having the ambulatory oriented right to the east and the narthex representing the west side of the cathedral; The reason why the cathedral was built this way was to respect the sunrise and the sunset: The sun will reflect on the chapel first, enlightening the entire cathedral through stained glasses and will finally goes down on the west side, rapidly hidden for any light by the Fourviere hill. About the stained glasses, everything has been chosen in the more effective manner and was adapted to the position of the sun: At the north, we can easily observe warm colours such as red and yellow whereas we can only see “cold” colours in the more southern part of the cathedral. It was strategic to position the stained glass as still since it was compensating the light and the warm of the sun.

The actual location of the cathedral was discussed throughout years and years and was also creating big disputes between the political and religious parties within Lyon. In fact, when the previous church was destroyed and the actual one built, one major question came out: from which side could people extend the cathedral? The first argument goes directly for the logical reason. It was impossible to extend the cathedral on the east side because of the instability of the soil near the Saone. The construction methods used at this time were not totally effective and at this time, building the extension would cut a major communication axe. The other argument used was more on the religious side. In fact, under the actual Saint John place was standing an atrium that would impeach the construction. Canons were actually founding themselves on this strong argument and decided to extend the Cathedral towards the east, near the Saone River.

Once again, and on a personally level, I found it very interesting to analyse such monuments, where you passes by without really knowing why it has been built this way. This Cathedral, with its three pointed arches (two on each Aisle and the biggest in the Nave), the big rose window and the astronomical clock (which stay a mystery for me…) is forming part of the actual heritage of Lyon, and is still partly explaining the urban planning of this district. If I got one advice to give to someone who is visiting Lyon, I would tell them to come during the “Fetes des Lumieres”. Seeing the cathedral enlightened with modern lights while keeping the spirit of the religion is just…. WOW. BREATH-TAKING.

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