Church of Saint-Just, Lyon

Saint Just is a charming church located in a small square in Lyon. It stands as a reconstruction of one of the city's oldest churches, flanked by two 19th-century buildings.

The original Basilica of Saint Just was situated around 200 meters away from the present-day church. This basilica had its origins in the 1st century AD, built atop a Roman mausoleum. Throughout the centuries, it underwent multiple reconstructions. The initial church featured three naves, with the addition of a transept and galleries in the 10th century. By the 13th century, it had been rebuilt once more in the Romanesque style, complete with an imposing bell tower and numerous chapels.

However, during the tumultuous War of Religion in the 16th century, the basilica was destroyed. Almost immediately, efforts began to construct a new church, and by Christmas Eve in 1565, Mass was already being celebrated within it. The construction progressed slowly but was eventually completed, with the Sanctuary being consecrated in 1591, and the remainder of the building finished by 1663.

The current facade of the church, designed in the 18th century by Delamonce in the Neo-Classical style, includes features like stalls and a pulpit. Portraits of the bishops who had been interred in the ancient basilica adorn the walls.

Inside, the church boasts a noteworthy collection of paintings by French artists, including works such as "Annunciation" by de Vermont and "Nativity" by Taraval. The stained glass windows, which depict scenes from the life of Saint Just and early Christian Lyon, were installed in the 18th century.

Additionally, the original basilica's site has been the subject of numerous archaeological excavations over the years and is now open to the public as an archaeological garden.