Facing La Place des Terreaux (site of the famous Bartholdi fountain) is the largest historic building in Lyon; L’Hotel de Ville (City Hall). At one time, this space was nothing more than a swamp, called Terralia Nova (meaning “new pit of earth and water” which was used by crossbow men as a training location, as well as a trap for invaders from the north), before being filled in during 1578. The building that was to become City Hall was constructed between 1645 and 1672. A devastating fire in 1674 caused extensive damage. Eventually, the building was reconstructed and modified - including four sets of arched windows, topped with medallions depicting the Bourbon dynasty. Above the windows is the symbolic lion of the city and a half-relief of King Louis XIV riding a horse. At the top of the building is a clock tower and belfry. The interior of City Hall included very high ceilings and ornate decorations.
During the French Revolution, the Square in front of City Hall was used for public executions ( a total of 79 beheadings occurred here). By 1886, the building had been designated a historic monument. Along one side of La Place des Terreaux is Bartholdi’s “Char Triomphant de la Garonne” fountain depicting France as a female driving a chariot pulled by four wild horses (which represented the four great tributaries of the Garonne River). This fountain was originally destined for the city of Bordeaux but was eventually purchased by the mayor of Lyon in 1892 when Bordeaux could not come up with the money to pay for the fountain.
Today, L’Hotel de Ville and La Place des Terreaux have been designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites .
During the French Revolution, the Square in front of City Hall was used for public executions ( a total of 79 beheadings occurred here). By 1886, the building had been designated a historic monument. Along one side of La Place des Terreaux is Bartholdi’s “Char Triomphant de la Garonne” fountain depicting France as a female driving a chariot pulled by four wild horses (which represented the four great tributaries of the Garonne River). This fountain was originally destined for the city of Bordeaux but was eventually purchased by the mayor of Lyon in 1892 when Bordeaux could not come up with the money to pay for the fountain.
Today, L’Hotel de Ville and La Place des Terreaux have been designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites .
L’Hotel de Ville (City Hall) as viewed fro La Place des Terreaux.
An 18th century painting depicting Lyon’s City Hall and the square in front of it. At one time, the square was nothing more than a swampy pit. Later on, during the French Revolution, public executions by means of the guillotine took place in this square.
Lyon’s municipal council conducts the city’s business in this chamber.
This magnificent staircase takes visitors to the upper floors where very ornate rooms are located.
Full of gold and red tapestry, the Red Salon was a place for small meetings.
For grand balls, the “Salon D’Honneur” (also known as the Justin Godart Salon) was the place to be.
Frederic AugustenBartholdi, French sculpture and creator of the Statue of Liberty, created this magnificent fountain that sits in the square in front of City Hall.
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