Place des Jacobins (Jacobins' Square), Lyon
Despite lying at the intersection of twelve streets and abuzz with heavy traffic, Place des Jacobins is a notable attraction.
Back in the late 13th century, the Jacobins established here a convent and a church; in time, the area which is now the square became a walled-off market. In 1556, the walls were knocked down and a triangular public square emerged.
Some of its buildings were pulled down in 1562 when Rue Saint Dominique was created. A small fountain was installed in the square and the locals used to meet here regularly to idle time away in gossip. The square was renamed Place du Comfort, but the fountain was too small to be of much use to the growing population, so eventually it had to be removed.
In 1609, a pyramidal obelisk was erected, topped by a cross with the name of God engraved in 24 languages around the base. This was destroyed during the French Revolution. The church was rebuilt in 1689 and the convent restored in 1714. In 1818 the church was destroyed again and the convent repurposed to accommodate the Pr茅fecture until 1852.
The fountain that you see today was built in 1878 by Gaspard Andr茅. The four statues, representing Audran, Coustou, de l鈥橭rme and Flandrin, were sculpted by Degeorges and installed in 1885. A plaque near the fountain, retracing the square鈥檚 history, was installed in 2004.
Back in the late 13th century, the Jacobins established here a convent and a church; in time, the area which is now the square became a walled-off market. In 1556, the walls were knocked down and a triangular public square emerged.
Some of its buildings were pulled down in 1562 when Rue Saint Dominique was created. A small fountain was installed in the square and the locals used to meet here regularly to idle time away in gossip. The square was renamed Place du Comfort, but the fountain was too small to be of much use to the growing population, so eventually it had to be removed.
In 1609, a pyramidal obelisk was erected, topped by a cross with the name of God engraved in 24 languages around the base. This was destroyed during the French Revolution. The church was rebuilt in 1689 and the convent restored in 1714. In 1818 the church was destroyed again and the convent repurposed to accommodate the Pr茅fecture until 1852.
The fountain that you see today was built in 1878 by Gaspard Andr茅. The four statues, representing Audran, Coustou, de l鈥橭rme and Flandrin, were sculpted by Degeorges and installed in 1885. A plaque near the fountain, retracing the square鈥檚 history, was installed in 2004.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lyon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Place des Jacobins (Jacobins' Square) on Map
Sight Name: Place des Jacobins (Jacobins' Square)
Sight Location: Lyon, France (See walking tours in Lyon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lyon, France (See walking tours in Lyon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lyon, France
Create Your Own Walk in Lyon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lyon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lyon's Architectural Landmarks
Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, the charming French city of Lyon has played a major role in the political, cultural, and economic development of Europe for many years. The city's two millennia-long history is clearly imprinted in its urban fabric, manifested in numerous buildings of various epochs and styles.
Among the plethora of local architectural landmarks, the Ancient... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Among the plethora of local architectural landmarks, the Ancient... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Lyon Introduction Walking Tour
The city of Lyon 鈥� capital of France鈥檚 Auvergne-Rh么ne-Alpes region 鈥� has been around for 2,000 years, sitting at the confluence of the Rh么ne and Sa么ne rivers. Established in 43 BC as a settlement for Roman refugees of war, it was also the capital of the Gauls at the time of the Roman Empire; two Emperors 鈥� Claudius and Caracalla 鈥� were born here. Due to its foundation on the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Food Tour in Lyon
In addition to its architectural beauty, Lyon 鈥� often referred to as the gastronomic capital of France 鈥� boasts a vibrant culinary scene that will delight passionate foodies. An ideal place to discover French cuisine and fall in love with it, there is no shortage of addresses in Lyon to stock up on quality and delicious products.
At the heart of Lyon's culinary culture is the Paul... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
At the heart of Lyon's culinary culture is the Paul... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Gastronomic Delights: 10 Places to Buy Great Food in Lyon, France
The city of Lyon is famous for its contribution to the culinary arts. Here food lovers will find hundreds of specialty shops throughout the city offering some of the world's finest and award-winning products fit to delight any epicurean palate. Let your taste buds lead you on this voyage into...