Historical Sites in Lyon

Historical Sites in Lyon

Lyon is a city steeped in history, founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. It once served as the capital of the Gauls during three distinct dynastic periods and played a significant role in the political, economic, and cultural development of Europe. The urban architecture of Lyon and its numerous exquisite historical buildings from various eras vividly showcase its long and rich past.

Lyon’s ambitious urban planning initiative is a product of the 1990s. It is precisely this ever-evolving transformation of the ancient city that has garnered attention from UNESCO. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, who also created Paris’s Centre Pompidou, the Cité Internationale is located along the Rhône River and stands as one of the largest and most breathtaking projects in all of Europe. Lyon has long demonstrated to the world its ability to create wonders: the exceptionally large Contemporary Art Museum, the Lyon Opera House, and its adjacent structures. Furthermore, the museum's vast collection of artworks, fully completed in April 1998, elevated it to become France’s second most important museum after the Louvre in Paris. The collection includes Monet’s “Snow Scene at Argenteuil,” Renoir’s “Portrait of a Young Woman,” as well as works by Picasso, Degas, and British painter Francis Bacon. The museum spans 15,000 square meters and houses a total of 6,300 items in its collection.

Historic Site of Lyons

Why Go: One of the most breathtaking projects in all of Europe

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: France[France]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Rhône-Alpes Region [Rhône-Alpes Region]

City where the attraction is located: Lyon [Lyons]