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Origin and history

The Collège Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur, located in Sallanches in Haute-Savoie, has its origins in the 14th century. She was raised to the rank of collegiate by Pope Clement VII on 2 December 1389 and received a relic from St James, strengthening his religious importance. The present building, however, dates from the 17th century, after a fire ravaged the city and destroyed the previous church on 20 November 1669. The reconstruction ended in 1688, marking the birth of the monument that we know today.

Inside the college is decorated with trompe l'oeil paintings by Piedmontese Casimir Vicario, then completed by his students after his death in 1847. Vicario, known for his works in the cathedrals of Moutiers and Chambéry as well as in the castle of the Dukes of Savoie, leaves here a major artistic heritage. His successors, Giacobini and J.B Ferraris, also contributed to the beautification of the building, which had been listed as historical monuments in 1986.

The arms of the collegiate church are inspired by those of Sallanches, with a chevron waved silver on a bottom of Gules, embellished with three shells symbolizing the jacquarian pilgrimage. This coat of arms reflects both local identity and devotion to St James, patron saint of pilgrims and church.

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