The structure of the dome of the Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon was made of wood. But during the Second World War, a fire destroyed it Sept. 4, 1944. It was only that funds be provided by the state for its reconstruction, hospices have not enough money. The repair was carried out by the Chief Architect of Historic Monuments Jean-Gabriel Mortamet according to architectural plans of Soufflot.

source: Lyon patrimoine (FR)

Under the great dome of the Hotel-Dieu de Lyon. The metal staircase provides access to the top where a small balcony gives a breathtaking view of the Rhone. The small dome has a circular balcony, overlooking a breathtaking view of the great hall of what will likely become a luxury hotel in 2012. Its concrete structure is impressive and gives a surreal side to the whole. Indeed, outside of the dome remains faithful to the original, before the fire of 1944.

The Hotel-Dieu in Lyon is a former hospital now completely empty but the roofs are a wonderful playground This was the first hospital in Lyon, built by the brothers Pontiffs in 1184.

From the top of a church tower of the Hotel-Dieu de Lyon.

Hotel-Dieu d'Etampes is a hospital founded in 1195. In recent centuries, the hospital has been enlarged many times. But a new hospital Etampes, much more modern, is going to compete. In 1991 the hospital is closed. The clinical Juine Valley, near, will suffer the same fate ten years later.

The great dome of the Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon, also known as dome Soufflot. It is 31m high. In the old days, his role was to serve as a ventilation shaft for the patients' rooms.

The two towers of the Church of the Hotel Dieu.