Hotel-Dieu de Lyon, Rhone Quai

Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon was a hospital of historical significance situated on the west bank of the Rhone river, on the "Presque-isle" (the Peninsula between the Saône and Rhone rivers which run through the city center). It has been out of use since 2010. In 1532, 'Hôtel-Dieu' appointed former Franciscan/Benedictine monk-turned-doctor and great Humanist François Rabelais, who would write his Gargantua and Pantagruel during his tenure here. Massive expansion projects in the 17th century by Ducellet (under Louis XIII and Richelieu) and in the 18th century by Soufflot (under Louis XIV and Colbert) replaced the original building with the grandiose wings and courts we know today. In fact, at its greatest point, the hospital extended from its present position beyond Bellecour to engulf the area now occupied by the central post office. [Wikipedia] See My Photostream, one photo at a time, with choice of viewing sizes and black or white background.

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