Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

==Design and construction==

==Design and construction==

The design of the basilica, by [[Pierre Bossan]], draws from both [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] and [[Byzantine architecture]], two non-Gothic models that were unusual choices at the time. It has four main towers, and a bell tower topped with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. It features mosaics, stained glass,<ref>The stained-glass window depicting [[Philippe Pétain|Marshal Pétain]] that was installed during the Nazi occupation of [[Vichy France]] was removed after the war. (Marianne Mahn-Lot, reviewing Renée Bedarida, 'Les Catholiques dans la Guerre, 1939–1945'' (Hachette) 1999, in ''Le Mouvement social'', No. 206, Au Bonheur Des Allemands Consommateurs et consommation au XXe siècle [January – March 2004:146–148] p. 147.</ref> and a crypt of Saint Joseph.

The design of the basilica, by [[Pierre Bossan]], draws from both [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] and [[Byzantine architecture]], two non-Gothic models that were unusual choices at the time. It has four main towers, and a bell tower topped with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. It features mosaics, stained glass,<ref>The stained-glass window depicting [[Philippe Pétain|Marshal Pétain]] that was installed during the Nazi occupation of [[Vichy France]] was removed after the war. (Marianne Mahn-Lot, reviewing Renée Bedarida, ''Les Catholiques dans la Guerre, 1939–1945'' (Hachette) 1999, in ''Le Mouvement social'', No. 206, Au Bonheur Des Allemands Consommateurs et consommation au XXe siècle [January – March 2004:146–148] p. 147.</ref> and a crypt of Saint Joseph.

Fourvière actually contains two churches, one on top of the other. The upper sanctuary is very ornate, while the lower is a much simpler design. Work on the triumphant [[basilica]] was begun in 1872 and finished in 1884. Finishing touches in the interior were not completed until as late as 1964.

Fourvière actually contains two churches, one on top of the other. The upper sanctuary is very ornate, while the lower is a much simpler design. Work on the triumphant [[basilica]] was begun in 1872 and finished in 1884. Finishing touches in the interior were not completed until as late as 1964.