It is old, old. The original administrative center for the Romans. Then, time went by, and it was the center of the silk weaving trade. (the weavers are called Canutes. Kids from Lyon are called Gones. Go figure)
The image of our apartment is in the previous post, and the view as well.
Because it was an industrial city, there was a need to get goods to and from the weavers in all parts of town, in particular far from the rivers (the Soane and the Rhone). They developed an interesting approach that allowed the free entry into the ground level of the buildings for cutting through. They are still open today - and called Traboules.
There are over 500 traboules in the city. We went into about 30, and I think I photographed them all.
Here are a few:
Those slopey corners are called "squinches"
Sort of a form follows function word.
You got to see all the courtyards as well.
Some of the trabules were long and dark:
This is not a traboule. Lyon is also the city of puppets. Guignol, indeed!
Lots of old wells in the courtyards:
and short doors:
and towers:
But we finally got out and walked about the city.
Here we are on the Soane:
and at the Beaux Arts museum. That is, as I am sure you all know, A Puvis. He was from here.
This fountain was being restored. When Matt was here, there was steam coming out of those horses' noses!
Everywhere we go we see ruined Roman theaters.
Lots of Roman ruins. I was using this plinth as a bench.
The Lyonnaise had a special relationship with the Holy Virgin. She kept out the black plague, cholera, and the Prussians in the Franco Prussian war. To pay her back, the city built this basilica in the 1870s.
They took their time about the payback, but it is really something!
The battle of Lepanto!
The Basilica is on a hill overlooking the city.
They have their own Eiffel Tower as well.
I'll write about food next time. I promise.
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