The city was founded in 43 BC by the Romans and became one of the favorite residences of the Roman Emperors. Lyon central location, easy access to waterways and relatively independent status made Lyon one of the leading French cities in the Middle Ages. During World War II Lyon became one of the hearths of Resistance Movement.
Lyon is a city with a lot of attractions – from ancient Roman structures till latest architectural masterpieces.
Vieux Lyon is a district along the banks of the Saone river and underneath the steep slopes of the Fourviere. The main street is Rue St Jean, lined with Gothic and Renaissance housing, the whole being a fine ensemble of 16th and 17th century urban building.
Originally Lyon was built on the top of Fourviere hill. here the Gauls and Romans put a temple of Cybele at its center. Nowadays the hill is crowned by a nineteenth century cathedral, the Basilica of Notre Dame-de-Fourviere. Tourists can visit a cpuple of interesting museums here - Museum Of Gallo-Roman Civilization, containing large collection of Roman inscriptions and Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre.
Lyon has always been known for its silk industry based on the Croix Rousse hill. Now it's just a beautiful place with cozy streets.
Lyon Opera House is mainstay of the city's musical tradition housed in a remarkable 1990s rebuilding of a neo-classical original.
The main art museum in Lyon is Museum of Fine Arts with Greek and Roman sculptures, well-known medieval and Renaissance artworks, ornate craftwork, Islamic art and Impressionist paintings.
Streets of Old Lyon are full of shops, but the real shopping center is Presquile peninsula and the largest department store Printemps is in the Place de la Republique. Lyon has a lot of open air markets with fresh fruits and vegetables. Fine crafts and fine foods are popular buys for visitors to Lyons. Marionettes are made here as part of a long-lived tradition and antiques abound.
Lyon is a city where they like to celebrate – Dance Festival, Berlios festival and some others describe Lyon as a very festive city.
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