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The Saint Saturnin church
in Saint Sorlin d'Arves |
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Tel. 04 79 59 71 77
2 or 3 steps at the entry.
The outside of the church : The Saint Saturnin de Saint
Sorlin d'Arves church was built in 1603, then enlarged in
1658. Two inscriptions attesting to it can be observed to
the left of the façade.
Its architect remains unknown. What is known is that every
church was built to comply with Charles Borronnée's
architectural doctrine, which went as follows :
- The church must be built on a
mound and must be surrounded by its enclosed cemetery,
- The facade must be bare and of
a uniform local color (local rendering = lime + sand)
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The only decorative elements outside
are the door frame composed of a round arch and a
triangular pediment, with a round opening framed by
other rectangular openings, a recess with an inscription
sheltering the statue of Saint Saturnin, protector of
the sheep, patron saint of the parish and finally the
funeral wreaths hanging from the walls.
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|  The
inside of the church : Officially consecrated to Saint
Saturnin in 1761, Saint Sorlin was once the destination
of a pilgrimage to the saint, like the Dauphiné ox
dealers and their offerings.
The church was built on a rectangle with only one nave and
east-oriented apse. Theceiling is arched, but domeless :
the latter will be imitated by a set of frescos. The light
is generous inside owing to the absence of stained-glass
windows, replaced by embrasures. The monument saw the addition
of a gallery in 1683, under which you pass as you go in.
The Choir : The oldest part of the building, with
main altarpiece. Sculpted in cembro pinewood, a wood that
does not develop cracks and emits an insect-repelling odor.
It is composed of six twisted columns framing three panels
and an altar.
In the lateral panels, two recesses shelter the wooden statues
of Saint Pierre and Saint Paul. The central painting was
made by Gabriel Dufour in 1704. It represents the glory
of Saint Saturnin surrounded by angels, Saint Vincent, Patron
Saint of vineyards and Sainte Anne, Patron Saint of mothers.
 On
top of the altarpiece a painting is framed, showing God chasing
Adam and Eve. Take note of the Cordua leather antependium
in front of the altar. Decorative component of baroque churches,
it is tanned leather that is pressed to form reliefs, painted
and finally embroidered with gold threads. In the center,
a medallion shows Saint Saturnin dressed as a bishop.
Two other paintings adorn the church choir. To the left, a
painting by Laurent Dufour represents the Virgin and Child
with Sainte Anne and the bishop of Saint Jean de Maurienne.
To the right, a picture of Bienheureux Joseph Falcoz, martyr
of the French Revolution, born in Saint Sorlin.
To know more...: FACIM
- Chemins du Baroque |
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Maison du Tourisme 73530 Saint Sorlin d'Arves
- Tel. 0033 (0)4 79 59 71 77 - Fax: 0033 (0)4 79 59 75 50 - E-mail
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