Saint-Irénée Church, Lyon

Saint Irénée Church may appear modest in its architectural design, but it boasts a rich and captivating history. The church's origins trace back to the 1st century AD when it was initially consecrated in honor of Saint John. Irenaeus, originally hailing from Asia Minor, took up the role of a priest under the leadership of Lyon's inaugural bishop, Saint Pothius. Tragically, Saint Pothius met his martyrdom during a city uprising, prompting Irenaeus to assume the position of bishop in his stead.

Irenaeus, a devout and erudite figure, is renowned for his writings in opposition to the Gnostics, an early Christian sect, as well as his involvement in debates surrounding the calculation of the Easter date. His earthly journey concluded in 202 AD, and he found his resting place within Saint John's Church. While some Christian scholars suggest that Saint Irénée met a martyr's fate, historical evidence to substantiate this claim remains elusive.

The church underwent reconstruction in the 10th century, notably featuring the addition of a crypt dedicated to Saint Irénée, subsequently leading to its renaming. However, this place of worship suffered substantial damage during the tumultuous events of the War of Religion in 1562, orchestrated by Protestants. The upper portion of the edifice was meticulously restored in 1584, with the crypt following suit in 1635.

Outside the church's confines, visitors are greeted by a rare sight: the lone surviving "Calvary" within a French urban setting. This ensemble comprises three crosses, each bearing Christ and the two thieves, alongside statues of three women positioned at the base of the crosses, all of which were crafted in 1687.

During the tumultuous era of the French Revolution, the church found itself repurposed as a grain storage facility. Eventually, in 1863, both the church and its crypt underwent an extensive renovation. In a fascinating turn of events, archaeological excavations conducted in 2000 near the church unearthed three Roman tombs, which have since been relocated to the crypt, adding another layer of historical intrigue to this venerable site.