Historic Site of Lyons

Lyon, France

The Historic Site of Lyons was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The long history of Lyons, which was founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. as the capital of the Three Gauls and has continued to play a major role in Europe's political, cultural and economic development ever since, is vividly illustrated by its urban fabric and the many fine historic buildings from all periods.

The specific regions composing the Historic Site include the Roman district and Fourvière, the Renaissance district (Vieux Lyon), the silk district (slopes of Croix-Rousse), and the Presqu'île, which features architecture from the 12th century to modern times. Both Vieux Lyon and the slopes of Croix-Rousse are known for their narrow passageways that pass through buildings and link streets on either side. The first examples of traboules are thought to have been built in Lyon in the 4th century.

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Address

Place Bellecour 8, Lyon, France
See all sites in Lyon

Details

Founded: 0-100 BC
Category: Historic city squares, old towns and villages in France
Historical period: Arrival of Celts (France)

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Juno Parrenas (3 years ago)
Google maps will misdirect you because it is surrounded by private property and the one public lane nearby is an upward slope that gives you a very limited view. Stick to the theater and the orpheum.
Arnaud Roguet (5 years ago)
A dormant place lost behind a building with few indications. You really have to look to find.
Le coin de Telum (5 years ago)
A surprising place in the heart of Lyon, green and pleasant for a family outing or meeting with friends. Place visited during a visit / game in Lyon.
Chris Conroy (5 years ago)
Its nice to see a piece of history but compared to others that you can find it was quite disappointing
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An oppidum was built on the hill overlooking the present-day city in Gaulish times, before the regions was annexed by Augustus in 27 BC. The Romans planted vineyards in what was to become Saint-Émilion as early as the 2nd century. In the 4th century, the Latin poet Ausonius lauded the fruit of the bountiful vine.

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