Plaque in memory of the Jacobin convent

The plaque you see reminds us that Place des Jacobins in Lyon has a rich history linked to the Jacobin convent. This convent was founded in June 1218 by the Dominican friars, who had received papal approval just two years earlier. Initially located between the cathedral and Saint-Just, they moved in 1237 to build a new convent on the edge of the lands belonging to Ainay Abbey, later known as Notre-Dame de Confort.

At the heart of this convent, an imposing church dedicated to Our Lady of Comfort was erected, becoming a popular place of devotion in Lyon. The structure underwent transformations over the centuries, accommodating families and confraternities who contributed financially to the celebration of masses. The Jacobins convent was much more than a place of worship. It housed a library from its beginnings in 1228, highlighting its role as a center of study for the Dominican friars. These religious men, although living in poverty, sought benefactors to finance the purchase of books essential to their theological training. Located in the heart of Lyon, the Jacobins convent was an active and influential ecclesiastical institution, closely linked to the political and ecclesiastical life of the city.

The cemetery, which occupied a large part of the Place des Jacobins before its transformation into a public square in the 16th century, testifies to the practice of the mendicant orders of accepting burials, thus generating income.

Finally, the Jacobins convent was the site of major political events, notably the election of Pope John XXII and the union of the Dauphiné with France. These historical events have left an indelible mark on the Place des Jacobins, recalling the rich history of this iconic Lyon landmark.