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Saturday 23 November updated on 11-23-2024 at 8:06
Saturday 23 November updated on 11-23-2024 at 8:06
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Inspired by great artists like Bernini, Borromoni, Guarino Garini, Baroque art appeared in Italy and developed in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. At this time, the churches and chapels of Savoy, often of medieval origin, were enlarged or transformed. If the exterior remains sober, the interior is richly decorated: in the choir, the altarpiece attracts all eyes and becomes a real catechism in images. Baroque is the art of staging, of movement with the play of drapery and light, trompe l'oeil, gilding and bright colors, curves and counter-curves, volutes, dramatization and theatrical productions... It is the expression of grandeur and excess to seduce the faithful.
On the "sunny slope", where the farming economy has long reigned supreme, step inside the church in Granier and, between the statues of St. Barthélémy and St. Grat, make a wish to ensure you have an abundant harvest...of discoveries!
The current church is an extended version of the mediaeval building and it has kept its half-domed chevet and a bell tower topped with a tufa spire, which is unusual in the Tarentaise Valley.The spire was built in 1732 by Pierre Martinet, master mason originally from Valsesia in the Piedmont Valley, which was a remarkable breeding-ground for artists in the Baroque era.
Jacques-Antoine Todesco, another Valsesia native, realised the main altarpiece, installed at the back of the chancel, in 1677. The concave wall and two lateral windows of the church's mediaeval layout imposed certain limits that meant the décor could not be extended to its conventional width. Nonetheless, the artist placed two large statues of St. Barthélémy and St. Grat on either side. These saints were invoked to protect the flock and to protect the sown seeds respectively. The painted tiles show St. Nicolas and St. Barthélémy and, above this, the latter's martyrdom - he is believed to have been burned alive and then crucified!
On the left of the church is the Rosary altarpiece, surrounded by the Mysteries, which are the 15 main events in the life of Mary and of Jesus. Opposite, on the right, you can see the altarpiece dedicated to St. Barbe. St. Anthony the Abbot, protector of donkeys, mules and pigs, is not far away.
All year round, daily between 9 am and 6 pm.
Free of charge
