Jardin archeologique St-Jean

During the early-Christian era and the beginnings of the Western church, the word "ecclesia", the bishop's church, was used instead of cathedral. Archaeological excavations between 1973 and 1977 brought to light Lyon's Episcopalian church complex in this area. Three churches and a surrounding wall were built in the 4th century: Sainte-Croix church where catechumen or novices (unbaptised followers) were taught, St Etienne baptistry where the faithful were baptised and the "ecclesia" where the Bishop welcomed the baptised. In Carolingian times, baptisms took place in the main church where baptismal fonts were used instead of the tanks in the baptistry. The history and evolution of this garden can be seen in the restored relics such as the foundations of Sainte-Croix and Saint Etienne, the baptismal tank where the faithful were immersed and part of the surrounding wall built in the 6th century with the remains of Roman monuments (some still bear inscriptions).

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• Attraction Type: Monuments and Landmarks

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