category of places

Mémorial de la Shoah

About

The Mémorial de la Shoah in Lyon is a solemn site of remembrance dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust and to those deported from the city during World War II. Inaugurated in 1992, it stands near the former Gestapo headquarters on Avenue Berthelot, a place marked by suffering and resistance. The memorial’s austere design reflects dignity and silence, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the atrocities committed and the resilience of those who endured them. Names of deportees and symbolic inscriptions ensure that memory is preserved, while annual ceremonies reaffirm the importance of vigilance against intolerance and hatred. More than a monument, the Mémorial de la Shoah is a living reminder of Lyon’s wartime history and a call to uphold human rights. It continues to serve as a place of education, reflection, and collective memory, ensuring that the lessons of the past remain present for future generations.

Lyon France

Location

The Mémorial de la Shoah in Lyon, also known as "Les Rails de la Mémoire," is located at Place Carnot in the 2nd arrondissement, near the Gare de Perrache. Inaugurated on January 26, 2025, the memorial stands on a site deeply connected to history, as the Gare de Perrache was the departure point for convoys deporting Jews to concentration camps during World War II. The memorial is composed of interwoven steel railway tracks symbolizing the 1,173 kilometers from Perrache station to Auschwitz-Birkenau, creating a powerful and contemplative space. Nearby, visitors can explore the vibrant Place Carnot square, as well as access the Rhône riverbanks and the Perrache district, blending historical remembrance with the lively urban environment of Lyon.

Mémorial de la Shoah

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