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Origin and history

The Saint-Martin church of Villargerel is a Catholic church located in the hamlet of Villargerel, in the commune of Aigueblanche (formerly Grand-Aigueblanche), in Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Built from 1682, it embodies Savoyard Baroque art, with a plan centered in "Greek cross" and a dome decorated with medallions. The building is dedicated to Martin de Tours and was classified historical monument by order of 9 June 1943.

The architecture of the church is based on the plans of Nicolas Deschamps, executed by master mason Jean Meilleur. Its dome, divided into eight vaults and illuminated by a lantern, rests on pendants decorated in trompe-l'oeil. Three polygonal apses and a stone porch complete the set. The major altarpiece, created in 1707 by the sculptor Jacques Clérant, presents a triptych adorned with a central painting depicting the Crucifixion, surrounded by saints such as Francis de Sales and Catherine d'Alexandria.

The southern crusillon houses a cariatide altarpiece, decorated with a floral frieze and angel heads, while a 19th-century tabernacle features a motif of the "pelican nourishing its young". The church, still active in local cultural life, hosts classical concerts during the "Chemins du Baroque", highlighting its acoustic and artistic heritage.

Integrated into the diocese of Tarentaise, the Church of St Martin illustrates the influence of Baroque art in Savoy, marked by carved altarpieces and rich interior decoration. Its classification among the historical monuments of Savoie underlines its heritage importance, both architecturally and religiously.

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