Église Saint-Maurice: Annecy's Oldest Gothic Church

Église Saint-Maurice stands as Annecy's oldest church, a tangible link to the city's medieval past. Its stone facade, dating back to 1422, showcases a Savoyard flamboyant Gothic style. Originally built as a chapel for a Dominican convent, it has witnessed centuries of history, from its religious origins to its desecration during the French Revolution and its eventual reinstatement as a parish church.

History and Construction

Construction of the church began in 1422, initiated by Cardinal Jean-Allarmet de Brogny following a major fire in Annecy. It was originally established as the chapel for a Dominican convent and was consecrated in 1445, with final completion in the early 16th century. The design features a wide main nave, typical of Dominican churches, intended to accommodate large congregations. Starting in 1478, local noble families and corporations funded the addition of side chapels.

During the French Revolution, the church faced a period of upheaval. It was sacked, its bell tower was destroyed, and it was repurposed first as a grain market and later as a stable. In 1803, it was restored to Catholic worship and officially named Église Saint-Maurice, replacing a previous parish church of the same name.

Architectural Features and Curiosities

A striking feature of Église Saint-Maurice is that it visibly leans. The walls are not perfectly straight, and the choir lacks symmetry, a result of the unstable subsoil and the challenges faced by medieval builders. Despite these imperfections, the church boasts impressive dimensions; its nave is ten centimeters wider than that of Notre-Dame de Paris. The building was designated a national monument in 1957, and extensive restorations completed in 2016 revealed previously hidden murals.

Inside, visitors can see a notable 15th-century funerary painting depicting the tomb of Philibert de Monthoux, an advisor to the Dukes of Savoy and Burgundy. The keystones of the vaulting still bear the arms of the families who financed the side chapels.

Notable Figures and Events

Several significant historical figures are associated with the church. Its founder, Cardinal Jean-Allarmet de Brogny, was a powerful ecclesiastical figure. Saint François de Sales, a key leader in the Counter-Reformation, received his First Communion and preached from the church's pulpit. Additionally, the shrine of Saint Jeanne de Chantal was housed in the church for two decades, from May 1806 to August 1826.

The Church Today

Église Saint-Maurice continues to serve as an active Roman Catholic church within the Sainte-Jeanne-de-Chantal parish. It regularly holds Mass and other religious services. Renowned for its excellent acoustics, the church is also a popular venue for classical music concerts. It is open to the public for visits, offering a calm and peaceful space, with guided tours also available. Entry is free of charge.