St. Michael's Church

Name: St. Michael's Church
Address: Lanslevillard, Val-Cenis, 73500
Telephone: 04 79 05 86 36
Price range: Free access.

Val-Cenis

Exceptional: reopening after restoration! Characteristic of Savoyard Baroque, this church dates back to the Middle Ages. Marvel at the relics of Saint Landry, a monk from the Novalaise abbey, and take a trip back in time...

Description

The building dates back to the Middle Ages. However, from 1624 onwards, it underwent continuous extension and embellishment work. The bell tower was raised. It was later adorned with two beautiful sundials: here, time does not stand still... but leaves its mark on the walls.
The interior of the building was refurbished and fitted with new furniture: several Baroque altarpieces were installed from the 17th to the 19th century!
The masterpiece of the building? Its altarpiece of the Rosary: placed on the left, near the choir, it consists of two shutters closing on a fixed central panel. The outside of the shutters is adorned with a painted "grisaille" decoration, creating a dazzling contrast with the bright colours and gilding of the inside - and of the central panel. The whole was masterfully sculpted by Jean Clappier, a great local artist.