La Tour Rose Traboule (The Pink Tower Passageway), Lyon

The House of the Sieve (Maison du Crible), better known as The Pink Tower (La Tour Rose), is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Lyon鈥檚 Saint-Jean neighborhood. Built in the 16th century, it is attributed to the Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio of Bologna. The building retains its Renaissance character throughout, though its courtyard was restored in the 17th century. The name 鈥淗ouse of the Sieve鈥� remains somewhat mysterious, but historians suggest it may be linked to Martin de Troyes, a 16th-century tax collector whose coat of arms possibly displayed a sieve.

While the exterior shows little sign of grandeur beyond its gate, the interior courtyard reveals a striking surprise: a monumental circular tower coated in pink plaster, entirely hidden from the outside. The tower houses a vast spiral staircase-belvedere and is punctuated by semicircular bay windows overlooking terraces and gardens that rise across several floors. A well still stands at the courtyard鈥檚 edge, adding to its historic charm.

The Pink Tower has welcomed notable figures over the centuries, including King Henri IV of France, who stayed here briefly in 1600 during his marriage to Marie de Medici. In recognition of its heritage, the property was listed as a historic monument in 1937. Despite its grandeur, it later fell into long periods of neglect until new projects brought the site back to life.

Known as the tallest building in the Saint-Jean district, the Pink Tower draws thousands of visitors each year and remains a centerpiece of Old Lyon, enhancing the appeal of the neighborhood and its famous traboules.

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Sight Name: La Tour Rose Traboule (The Pink Tower Passageway)
Sight Location: Lyon, France (See walking tours in Lyon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Lyon, France

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