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agenda
European Heritage Days - Visit St Etienne church
Don't trust appearances: the exuberant Baroque décor of the church's interior contrasts dramatically with the simple exterior. You're in for quite a treat!
Description
The current building is not the original one: on March 8, 1817, a huge avalanche from the Dent Parrachée damaged the old church. A long dispute ensued over where to rebuild it. It took the community eight years to build a new edifice, 200 meters upstream, out of harm's way.
As with the other churches in Haute Maurienne, Sollières is entered through a vast vestibule: paved with pebbles from the torrent beds, and no doubt paved with good intentions, it provides protection from the elements and the cold.
Inside, the decorations warm the heart: no less than 5 altarpieces await you! The main altarpiece was created in 1680 by Molino and Todesco, two master carvers from Val Sésia (Piedmont) rather than Haute Maurienne, but they all have their own particular characteristics, from rocaille scrolls to polychrome wood, which will seduce your pupils! The church also houses the chasuble of Queen Marie Christine, an exceptional ensemble of silk liturgical vestments embroidered with floral motifs in silk and silver thread.
Environments
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Close to a public transportation
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Village center
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Bus stop < 500 m
Rates
Free access.
Opening period
Sunday 20 September 2026 between 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm.
Spoken languages
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French
Location
Animals
Pets allowed : No
