Place de la Basoche
Square in Lyon
Nestled in the heart of Vieux Lyon, at the intersection of Rue de la Bombarde and 60 Rue Saint-Jean, lies the Place de la Basoche. This charming square is a testament to Lyon’s rich Renaissance heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s storied past. The square is bordered to the north by the Maison des Avocats, a stunning Renaissance building featuring three levels of ochre-colored Tuscan galleries adorned with elegant colonnades. Constructed around 1516, this architectural gem now houses the Musée Cinéma et Miniature, making it a must-visit for film enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Historically, the area served as an annex of the Palais de Justice from 1406, hosting the Confrérie de la Basoche—a guild of legal clerks who not only managed judicial affairs but also staged theatrical performances. The term “Basoche” refers to this medieval association, which functioned akin to a self-governing body with its own king and chancellor. However, due to their increasingly unruly behavior, the confraternity was disbanded in 1540. Today, the square invites visitors to relax on its benches, admire the surrounding architecture, and delve into Lyon’s captivating history.
The Place de la Basoche appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lyon!
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Visiting Place de la Basoche
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