Lyon – Culture and History

The city of Lyon preserves, even nowadays, a Roman age feature, standing as convergent peak of economics and cultures. Locals have always known the best way in breaking with the past and embracing new things coming; the rest, it just went with the flow.

There is no essential need to go visit museums spread all over the town in order to admire relics of the past lost in the urban agglomeration of a modern city. Areas such as Old Lyon, Saint Jacques and Crêt de Roc breathe historic vestiges that keep alive a glorious long-ago. Tourists can also go across the so-called “traboules”, narrow passages dating from the 4th century, serving locals’ access to the waters of Saône. Deeper interest in city’s history? Your next stop should be in one of the 30 museums spread all over the town and try to visit at least The Museum of Fine Arts and The Fourvière Gallo-Roman Museum.

Such a rich and ancient history has generated attitudes, habits and mentalities shaping an outstanding culture. St. Jean Cathedral astonishes each and every one of its visitors by not only a monolithic and imposing silhouette, but also by elegance and gracefulness – an undeniable 12th century gothic masterpiece. National Opera of Lyon embodies another side of the Lyon character: despite its 300 years of history left behind, this structure is a mark of an innovative an optimistic approach to future. Strangers interested in becoming at least for a short while consumers of local culture may enjoy theatres (The Celestins Theater, La Croix-Rousse), cinemas, exhibitions, libraries… and much more. A fest not to ever miss!