Vienne - Cathedral St. Maurice

The oppidum of the Celtic Alobroges became a Roman colony about 47 BC under Julius Caesar, but the Allobroges managed to expel the Romans. The exiles moved north and founded the colony of Lugdunum (today's Lyon). During the early Empire, Vienna regained all its former privileges as a Roman colony. The city flourished and became the second capital of southern Gaul during the Roman Empire.

The first Christians lived in Vienne around 100 AD. In the 3rd century, the city became a bishopric. After the death of the childless last Burgundian king Rudolf III. Vienne fell in 1032 to the German king Conrad II and thus to the Holy Roman Empire. In the 12th century, Vienne became the capital of the Dauphiné. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Vienne experienced an economic boom, numerous houses were built in the half-timbered style of the time, and the cathedral was completed. During the Wars of Religion, the city was fought over and frequently looted.
The Diocese of Vienna existed from the third century until the "Concordat of 1801" between Napoleon Bonaparte and Pius VII. Since then it has been part of the Archdiocese of Lyon.

In 1311/1312 the "Council of Vienne" took place here. Pope Clement V, who was bullied by Philip IV of France, withdrew papal support for the Knights Templar - and dissolved the order.

The construction of St. Maurice Cathedral, which took more than 400 years, began in the 12th century. The choir was rebuilt in the 13th century. In the Gothic period, four bays were added and the nave was raised and arched.

There are 59 (!) Romanesque capitals in St. Maurice Cathedral, carved in the late 12th century.
Harrowing Hell

The descent of Christ into Hell refers to the period of time between the Crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection. In descent, Christ brought salvation to the souls held captive there since the beginning of the world.