Access to Les Arcs: special equipment required
Access to Les Arcs: special equipment required
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Tuesday 24 December updated on 12-24-2024 at 8:06
Tuesday 24 December updated on 12-24-2024 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.
The church is set back, to the east of the village, surrounded by the cemetery whose gate was created in 1686 by Guillaume Cochet. The church is dominated by the imposing Romanesque tower with onion dome spire, octagonal tambour and pointed steeple.
Built between 1681 and 1686, the façade has a gate framed by straight smooth columns supporting a scalloped entablature which houses the central niche: five fire pots decorate the ensemble, which is dominated by a triple bay opening, letting the light into the tribune. The new fittings were given by Cardinal Alexis Billiet (1783-1873), who was from the area. The main altarpiece, in Neoclassical style, presents a painting of St Martin, and The Last Supper is depicted in relief on the front of the altar. The side altarpieces are also in Neoclassical style with older elements: the Rosary by Todescoz (1693) was redone in 1852 by Charles Pedrini. The rood beam has a 17th century Christ with angels who collect the blood that is flowing from his wounds.
