Whose relic is preserved inside the church?

A chapel inside the church contains the heart of Pauline-Marie Jaricot, who founded the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

Who built the notable organ in the church?

The church organ was built by Augustine Zeiger.

What is the origin of the church dedication?

The church honors Polycarp of Smyrna, the mentor of the Lyon bishops Saint Pothinus and Saint Irenaeus.

Who designed the facade of the building?

Architect Toussaint Loyer designed the facade and lengthened the nave.

Which community originally established this church?

The church was established on the slopes by the Oratorians of Saint Philip Neri.

Lyon · France

église Saint-Polycarpe de Lyon: ce qu’il y a autour, comment y aller et quand venir · 2026

Tenants on the slopes of La Croix-Rousse navigate steep stairways daily in exchange for a quiet quarter around Église Saint-Polycarpe.

Carte des lieux

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À propos du lieu

Built on the hillside of La Croix-Rousse, Église Saint-Polycarpe remains an enduring Oratorian monument with deep community roots.

The sanctuary represents the oldest local foundation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. Architect Toussaint Loyer added the classical façade and lengthened the nave before the building became a parish church dedicated to Polycarp of Smyrna. That name pays homage to the teacher of the earliest bishops of Lyon. Inside, a side chapel holds the heart of charity founder Pauline-Marie Jaricot beneath protected historic vaults.

The interior is renowned for its grand pipe organ built by Augustine Zeiger. Composer François Mensongueé initiated the replacement of an earlier damaged instrument, paving the way for later titular organist Adrien Rougier. For temporary residents settling along the surrounding stairways, the presence of this classified historical monument means adjusting to regular organ rehearsals and echoing hillside church bells.

Associations

Augustine Zeiger organFamous historic instrument that replaced an earlier damaged organ.
Pauline-Marie Jaricot relicA dedicated chapel preserves the heart of the missionary founder.
Oratorian architectureThe oldest foundation of Saint Philip Neri established on the slopes.
Monument historique statusOfficial national heritage classification protects the entire building.
Hillside stairwaysSteep pedestrian ascents make daily access physically demanding.

Faits

The building holds official classification as a French historical monument.
The church stands as the oldest sanctuary built by the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri in the city.
Architect Toussaint Loyer designed the church façade and extended the length of the nave.
A chapel inside the building houses the heart of Pauline-Marie Jaricot, founder of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
Organ builder Augustine Zeiger constructed the famous pipe organ after composer François Mensongueé commissioned a replacement.

Mis à jour le 10 septembre 2026Source : Wikipedia

église Saint-Polycarpe de Lyon: ce qu’il y a autour, comment y aller et quand venir · 2026

Aux alentours29

Built on the hillside of La Croix-Rousse, Église Saint-Polycarpe remains an enduring Oratorian monument with deep community roots.

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