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Origin and history

The church Saint-Barthélemy de Genas, located in the Rhône department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, was built in 1878 by architect Alfred Berruyer. It replaces an ancient Romanesque church and stands out for its alternating architecture of gold and red brick, typical of the region. The stained glass windows, contemporaries of its construction, add to its emblematic character. The building is integrated into the local heritage and remains an active place of Catholic worship, attached to the parish of the Alliance in the diocese of Lyon.

On August 24, 1944, during World War II, a German bombardment targeted Genas Fort, 2 km east of the church. The explosion of ammunition causes the sending of a shrapnel that lands under the statue of St. Bartholomew. This fragment, preserved as a memorial, symbolizes the miraculous protection of the building, spared by more serious destruction. This event is commemorated every year at the feast of the patron saint.

During renovations in 2017 and 2018, historical elements were highlighted, including capitals and sculpted 13th century characters. Three church objects are now classified as historical monuments: a reliquary dedicated to Saint Barthélemy and two painted wooden busts of the seventeenth century. This work was intended to preserve its role in the architectural and cultural heritage of Genas, while maintaining its religious use.

Saint Bartholomew, the apostle of Jesus, gives his name to the church. According to tradition, he evangelized Arabia, Mesopotamia and perhaps India. His worship, rooted in the local community, is manifested by weekly masses and a particular devotion, reinforced by the 1944 episode. The building thus remains a symbol both spiritual and historical for the inhabitants.

Accessible via public transport (TCL 28 bus) or by the East Lyon ring road, the church occupies a central place in the life of Genas. Close to Saint-Exupéry airport, it embodies the link between religious heritage, collective memory and urban dynamism of this peri-urban town of Lyon.

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