Lyon, France Passageways: Roman Aqueduct of Gier, Traboules and Bridges

This edition intimately portrays Lyon’s famous Traboules, the Roman Aqueduct of Gier, renowned passageways within the city and bridges that line both the Saone and Rhone Rivers.

Traboules are clandestine passageways winding through buildings and courtyards. Each passage is unique and often features buildings with pastel colors, confounding curves, arches, vaulted ceilings and spiral staircases. Each traboule radiates mystery and intrigue within the shadows. Many boast a Renaissance era heritage with some dating back to reportedly the 4th century.

An estimated 400 traboules exist within Lyon with approximately 40 identified by a small blue lion emblem and open to public access. Inhabitants of the Roman colony of Lugdunum established residences on the banks of the Saone River due to the lack of fresh running water. The lower Vieux Ville (old city) settlement was established at the foot of Fourviere Hill. The traboules were designed to permit expedient access for residents to the river.

Silk production was once the major industry within Lyon. The silk workers numbering approximately 25,000 were called Canuts. They became a prominent presence within the neighborhoods during the early 19th century. They employed the passageways to carry their heavy textile workloads from their Croix-Rousse district workshops to textile merchants at the foot of the hill.

The Roman Gier Aqueduct was constructed during the 1st and 2nd Centuries presumably during Emperor Hadrian’s reign. His substantial legacy included construction projects throughout the Roman Empire and a wall named after him located in northern Britain.

The aqueduct was originally sourced from the Gier River on Mount Pilat, the largest peak of three located in a range outside of St. Etienne, to the southwest of Lyon. Legend attributes that the body of Roman Governor Pontius Pilate was buried there. The aqueduct transported fresh water 53 miles until it reached its summit and termination location upon Fourviere Hill within the 5th arrondissement of Lyon.

The aqueduct was constructed of stone, brick and fastened by volcanic cement called Pozzolana. The design traveled inhospitable terrain employing vaulted masonry arches, a complex piping system and Siphon bridges that forced the flow uphill. Much of the structure remains today. The most picturesque ruins are photographed in this edition and located in the communes of Mornant, Chaponost and Saint-Foy-Les Lyon.

Lyon is a pedestrian-friendly city burdened by steep and flinty inclines. The inlaid stone pathways and staircases reveal stunning architecture, commercial offerings and ancient historic sites. Many of the routes were developed amidst some of Lyon’s most turbulent and influential historical events.

Eighteen bridges are photographed crossing the Saone and Rhone Rivers to complete the passageway profile. The book’s overall view, background descriptions and sweeping panorama offer a stunning composite of France’s third largest city. Lyon contains a distinctive mixture of ancient and contemporary influences with a major urban center and periphery.