Parish Church of Rhémes-Saint-Georges

Introduction

The parish of Rhémes-Saint-Georges is already mentioned in Pope Alexander III's bull of 1176 among those dependent directly on the bishop of Aosta. According to tradition, the ancient parish church stood in the hamlet of Voix, but destroyed perhaps by a flood or avalanche, it was built on the site where it stands today. 

Description

The building was rebuilt in the 15th century, possibly using the remains of an ancient castle belonging to the lords of Introd, and took on its current appearance in 1713 when it was radically transformed. The church has a Latin cross plan with a raised presbytery. The vaults are adorned with a trompe l'oeil pictorial decoration created in 1864 by the Valdostan painter Jean-Laurent Grange. Of great value for its rich, typically baroque decoration is the high altar in polychrome and gilded wood dating back to the beginning of the 18th century and consecrated by Bishop Milliet D'Arvillars of Aosta in 1706. Next to the altar painting, depicting the Virgin and Child with Saints Paul, Anthony Abbot, Barbara, George and a bishop saint, are statues of Saints Grateful and Jocund, while on the cymatium, between four twisted columns, is a sculpture of the Assumpted Virgin; behind the canvas, which is removable, is a statue of Saint George on horseback in a niche. Also dating from the beginning of the 18th century is the altar of the Rosary; the side altar of St. Joseph, on the other hand, appears to date from the second half of the 18th century. Also noteworthy is the choir loft decorated with painted panels depicting musical instruments. The church houses a museum of sacred art objects dating from the 15th to the 18th century, including a 15th-century chalice and reliquary box and a striking wooden statuette of St Margaret, which, according to an inscription, was donated to the church in 1502 by the cleric Petrus.

Information

Highlight: 1235m
Holidays: St George's Day (23 April)
Web: