Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame-Saint-Vincent, originally dedicated to Saint Louis in tribute to the dolphin who financed its construction, was built between 1759 and 1789 to replace the threatening chapel of the Augustins, present in the neighborhood since 1319. The first stone was laid on October 6, 1759, and the building was consecrated on June 4, 1789, on the eve of the Revolution. Its basilical architecture, rhythmized by eight Tuscan columns, and parsimonic lighting reflect the 18th century aesthetic cannons.

The Revolution radically transformed its use: the Augustins were expelled, and the church in turn became warehouse, hospital annex during the siege of Lyon in 1793, then parish in 1791 to compensate for the closure of other churches. In 1861, the nave was extended to the Saint Vincent wharf according to the plans of architect Charles Franchet, modifying his orientation and facade, works completed in 1882.

The building adopted its current term of Notre-Dame-Saint-Vincent in 1863 to avoid confusion with another Lyon church. Ravied by a fire in 1987, it was restored and reopened to worship in 1992. Its interior, sober but decorated with sculptures by Charles Dufraine and contemporary paintings such as the triptych Lumière d'Emmaüs (1996), blends Baroque heritage with modern creations.

The galleries of the cloister of the Augustinians, integrated since 1831 in the École de la Martinière, as well as the church itself, were protected as historical monuments in 1984. The current organ, inaugurated in 1995, replaces the one destroyed in the fire and is inspired by the German Baroque repertoire, highlighting the musical vocation of the building.

The unaxed porch, richly carved, contrasts with the sobriety of the nave. He directed Saint Louis and Saint Vincent, works by Dufraine, as well as a Virgin with the Child framed by angel musicians. These elements recall the successive words of the church, witnesses to its historical and spiritual evolution.

Today, the church remains an active place of worship, animated by the Emmanuel community, while embodying almost seven centuries of Augustinian presence in the Lyon landscape, between architectural heritage and contemporary parish life.

External links