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Origin and history

The Archepiscopal Palace of Lyon, also known as the Saint John Palace, is a medieval building located in the 5th arrondissement of Lyon. First mentioned as domus ecclesiae by Grégoire de Tours and Leidride, its exact location remains uncertain. The present building, with two towers (north and south), was erected under the episcopate of Humbert, then enriched by Hugues de Die and his successors in the 12th century.

In the Renaissance, after the abandonment of the castle of Pierre Scize, Archbishop Charles de Bourbon undertook important works (circa 1466): construction of a building body along the Saône, a chapel against the cathedral, and a terrace covering the Rue des Estrées. These improvements modernize the palace, although Charles de Bourbon resides only briefly.

Confiscated during the Revolution, the palace lost its religious function. Since 1974, it has hosted the municipal archives of Lyon. Ranked a historic monument in 1952 for its facades, covers and woodwork of the 18th century, it now houses the Academy of Sciences, Fine Letters and Arts of Lyon and a municipal library.

Archaeological excavations did not confirm the location of the first episcopal palace. The successive changes, notably the renovation of Pierre I in the 12th century and the additions of Jean Belles-mains (kitchen in 1200), testify to his architectural evolution over the centuries.

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