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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Michel-Archange, also known as the church of Saints-Sauveur-et-Michel, is located in Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, in the Alpes-Maritimes. Its origin dates back at least to the 11th century, as evidenced by a mention in the cartular of the cathedral of Nice in 1067, where Saint-Sauveur is listed among the parishes paying a royalty to the chapter of Sainte-Marie. At that time, the fief belonged to the family of the Rostaings of Thorame, then to the Thorame-Glandevès, the influential lords of the Haute-Tinée. The village, crossed by a Roman way from Cimiez to Embrun, was a strategic point in this mountainous region.

In the 14th century, the fief of Saint-Sauveur was at the heart of political conflicts. Pierre Balb (1351-1391), the last descendant of the Thorame-Glandevès, revolted first against Queen Jeanne in 1376, then against the Count of Savoie after joining the Grimaldi of Bueil. Defeated in 1392, he lost his land except Saint-Sauveur, who remained under Savoyard rule. In 1404, the Count of Savoie granted local self-government rights to the inhabitants, including low and medium justice. This period marked the beginning of a communal administration, with the election of a lease and consuls, until 1699.

The present church retains elements of an earlier building, including two 15th-century column barrels visible in the cemetery. The parish, initially dependent on the abbey of Saint-Eusèbe d'Apt, passed under the direct authority of the bishop of Nice in the 16th century. From the church of the 16th century, there remains only the Gothic span and the bell tower, dated 1532 and surmounted by a pyramidal arrow. Major reconstruction took place in the seventeenth century, probably because of the damage caused by the wars.

The church furniture illustrates its rich artistic heritage. The altarpiece of the Transfiguration, signed by Guillaume Planeta in 1583, is a major example of Nice's primitive painting. Other notable works include a painting of the Holy Shroud by Guiglielmo Thaone (1711), retables of the 18th century, and a painting of the Mystical Marriage of St. Catherine (1648) offering a historical view of the village. These pieces reflect the gifts of local families, such as Hongran and Bianchi, as well as community devotion.

The building was listed as historic monuments on December 12, 1939, recognizing its heritage value. Its history reflects the political upheavals of the region, between Provencal influence, Savoyard and Nice, as well as the religious and social importance of Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée throughout the centuries.

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