Rating: 7,9/10 (2531 votes) ![]() The small church of Saint-Martin d'Enay is located in the historic district of Lyon, and is included in the list of the most ancient Christian buildings of the city. The temple was built in 1160 on the personal initiative of the then Pope. The history of the emergence of the church is quite interesting, since it refers to the history of Roman persecution of the first Christians. According to chronicles, in 117, the arena of the Lyon amphitheater was intended not so much for gladiatorial duels as for demonstrative executions of Christians. Among the Romans 'favorite spectacle was the torn apart of Jesus' followers by hungry lions. Everything that remained from the victims of the predators was burned and the remains were thrown into the Rhone River. According to legend, one day the lion did not attack the Christian girls, and they were burned alive, lowering the burnt bodies into the fast flow of the river. The current brought them to the place where the church was built. Also, according to legend, the grave of Christian martyrs is under the foundation of the temple. The austere Romanesque building best illustrates the gloomy Middle Ages. The thick vaulted walls of the church have tiny windows, and the narrow observation tower is equipped with a single bell. This bell announced both the beginning of services and the invasion of the city by the enemy. ![]() ![]() We also recommend reading Historical part of the city of Lyon in France, Lyon resort Topic: Church of Saint-Martin d'Enay in France, Lyon resort. |