Espace culturel du christianisme à Lyon

About the museum

L’Antiquaille occupies a hill in Lyon where tradition places the dungeon of Saint Pothinus, the city’s first bishop, who died in prison during the persecutions of 177. In the 17th century an underground cavity was discovered there, which became a place of memory and then of pilgrimage, and was converted into an oratory and a chapel. At the end of the 19th century a neighbouring crypt was fitted out and decorated with mosaics depicting the martyrs of Lyon. The dungeon and the crypt have been listed as historic monuments since 2004.

The site housed a hospital for a long time, which closed in 2003. A large rehabilitation project began in 2011 under the direction of the studio of architect Pierre Vurpas and the chief architect of historic monuments, Didier Repellin. The crypt’s mosaics were restored by the teams of the Gallo-Roman museum of Saint-Romain-en-Gal and by Michel Patrizzio’s studio.

The association Espace Culturel du Christianisme à Lyon (ECCLY) was created to preserve and promote the site. It opened L’Antiquaille in December 2014. The route, based on a programme drawn up by the scientific committee, traces two thousand years of Christian history and Lyon’s role in it.

L’Antiquaille presents itself as a centre for interpreting history. It offers self-guided and guided visits, lectures, concerts and gatherings in the former chapel of the Visitandines and other rooms on the site.

Highlights

• Dungeon of Saint Pothinus, listed as a historic monument
• Martyrs’ crypt with its 19th-century mosaics
• Route through two thousand years of Christian history
• Themed guided tours and urban walks
• Panoramic view over Lyon

Permanent exhibitions

• Parcours permanent sur l'histoire du christianisme – A route through two thousand years of Christian history, focusing on Lyon’s role and the martyrdom of 177.
• Cachot de saint Pothin et crypte des martyrs – An underground cavity linked to the first bishop of Lyon, and a crypt with 19th-century mosaics, both listed as historic monuments.

Founded

2014

Operated by

Association Espace Culturel du Christianisme à Lyon (ECCLY)

Admission & discounts

The self-guided visit covers the route from the martyrdom of the first Christians in Gaul to the present day, as well as ecumenism. Tickets are bought online.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the Lyon tourist office, the visit to the dungeon and crypt, as well as some urban walks, are accessible by wheelchair, with assistance or independently.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Booklets for families to follow the story of the first Christians on a self-guided visit. Family guided tours adapted to children’s age (up to 10, teenagers, young adults) and on-demand visits. Family tours focus on the martyrs’ crypt and the dungeon of Saint Pothinus.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bookshop selling books and publications on Christianity and Lyon’s Christian heritage.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 90 guests.

Former chapel of the Visitandines (90 seats, with a stage) and a room with a view over Lyon (70 standing guests for a reception). A private guided tour can also be added.

Plan your visit