Eglise Catholique Saint Paul (Catholic Church of Saint Paul), Lyon

The Catholic Church of Saint Paul (Eglise Catholique de Saint Paul) stands as one of Lyon's oldest and most remarkably preserved churches. Its history traces back to the early 6th century when the initial church, part of a monastery, was constructed around 549, only to face destruction in 732. Subsequently, a new church emerged on the foundations of its predecessor during the 9th century. However, the current structure you encounter today reflects a series of reconstructions spanning from the 11th to the 19th centuries.

In the 10th century, the church assumed a role within a necropolis, encompassing three burial grounds. The addition of the bell tower in 1440 marked a significant architectural development. The exterior of the Gothic side chapels boasts intricate decorations featuring foliage and animal motifs adorning the cornices, with whimsical animal grotesques above them. The dome features two tiers of blind arches, arranged somewhat irregularly.

A notable addition came in 1835 when a lantern was affixed to the top of the bell tower, while in 1899, eleven bells found their home within the tower. The spire, once made of wood, underwent replacement with stone in 1982. During the tumultuous period of the Revolution, the church served as a storage site for saltpeter. When it resumed its role as a parish church in 1801, extensive renovations were required, including the replacement of the flooring.

Noteworthy decorations grace the entrance, characterized by ornate eggs and Acanthus leaves. Within the nave, you'll find four bays separated by four pillars, crowned with intricately sculpted capitals depicting foliage and human heads. The apse features a quarter-circle vault adorned with frescoes from the early 20th century, crafted by Borel. The side chapels, dating back to the 15th century, house various treasures, including "L’Adoration des Bergers," a painting by Blanchet from 1688, which is a sight to behold.