Temple Lanterne, Lyon

Temple Lanterne, Lyon

The Temple Lanterne, also known as the Terreaux Church, is a significant historical and architectural landmark in Lyon. Constructed between 1855 and 1857, it stands as the first Protestant temple in Lyon since the 19th century, marking a pivotal moment in the city's religious history. The temple owes its existence to a notable event in 1832: the dismissal of Pastor Alphonse Monod from the Church. Monod, a respected figure in Lyon's Protestant community, gained more support after his dismissal, resulting in the formation of an independent group of devoted followers. They initially met in different locations, eventually laying the groundwork for their own church.

The architectural design of the Temple Lanterne is the brainchild of Philippe-Manlius Bailly and Clément Poy, who chose the neo-Gothic style for its construction. The building was inaugurated as the headquarters of the civil society of schools and worship of the Evangelical Church of Lyon. Despite fluctuations in attendance, the church had over 600 members by 1866, underlining its importance in the community. This close-knit group founded the Protestant infirmary, managing it until 1882 when it became a recognized health institution.

Building the temple in the dense urban environment of Lyon's city center presented significant challenges, particularly for architect Clément Poy. He succeeded in creating an original design that ingeniously incorporated natural light through numerous wells on the roof. The church, located on Lanterne Street, consists of two buildings and is home to a magnificent organ crafted by the renowned Joseph Merklin in 1891. This historical edifice not only serves as a place of worship but also stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of Lyon's Protestant community in the 19th century.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lyon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Temple Lanterne on Map

Sight Name: Temple Lanterne
Sight Location: Lyon, France (See walking tours in Lyon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Lyon, France

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


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