Classical · Churches

Église Saint-Polycarpe

Lyon

Église Saint-Polycarpe is a church in Lyon, located on the slopes of Croix-Rousse between René Leynaud, Burdeau, Mermet, and Thiaffait streets. It is dedicated to Catholic worship and was the former church of the Oratorians, who settled in Lyon in 1616 and on the slopes of Croix-Rousse in 1642. The church was begun in 1665 and completed in 1670, except for the façade. The façade was designed by architect Toussaint-Noël Loyer in 1756. The building later became a parish and was named Saint Polycarpe in honor of Saint Pothin and Saint Irénée. Its façade was damaged during the revolutionary events of 1793 by cannon fire from the Convention. The church was enlarged between 1826 and 1836 with a transept, dome, and choir built by François-Jacques Farfouillon. It was classified as a historical monument on June 30, 1923, and the heart of Blessed Pauline-Marie Jaricot rests in the Saint François-Xavier chapel. The furnishings of the church were also given a classification decree.

Map showing the location of Église Saint-Polycarpe in Lyon
Location of Église Saint-Polycarpe in Lyon

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Location and Religious History

The church Saint-Polycarpe de Lyon is located in Lyon on the slopes of Croix-Rousse, between Rene Leynaud, Burdeau, Mermet, and Thiaffait streets. It is dedicated to Catholic worship. The building was formerly the church of the Oratorians, who settled in Lyon in 1616 and on the slopes of Croix-Rousse in 1642.

History and Architectural Development

The church was begun by the Oratorians in 1665 and completed in 1670, except for the facade. The facade was later designed by architect Toussaint-Noel Loyer in 1756. The church became a parish and was named Saint Polycarpe in honor of Saint Pothin and Saint Irenee. Its facade was damaged by cannon fire during the revolutionary events of 1793. Between 1826 and 1836, the building was enlarged with a transept, dome, and choir by architect Francois-Jacques Farfouillon. The church was classified as a historical monument on June 30, 1923. It is also associated with organist Adrien Rougier, who created several works for its organs, including the Toccata de Durufle, and with the Saint Francois-Xavier chapel, where the heart of Blessed Pauline-Marie Jaricot rests.

Classification of the Furnishings

In 1898, the entire furnishings of Saint-Polycarpe Church received a classification decree. This official recognition applied to all of the church's movable interior fittings, marking them as protected elements within the building's heritage. The decree highlights the cultural value attached not only to the church itself, but also to its furnished interior as a complete ensemble.