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Origin and history

The Saint-Joseph-des-Fins Basilica in Annecy was built to respond to the demographic expansion of the northern part of the Old Town, in a context of increasing urbanization. Initiated by Abbé Marie-Amédée Folliet, his first stone was laid on July 4, 1937, on the eve of World War II. The church, designed by architect Dom Paul Bellot, was completed in 1941 despite the disruptions of the war. Its trapu style, marked by arched vaults and reinforced concrete frame, reflects an innovative approach to contemporary sacred art.

Abbé Folliet, the central figure of the project, was also an actor in the Resistance during the war. Arrested by the Gestapo in 1944 after organizing rescue networks, he survived internment and returned to Annecy to complete his work. The basilica, erected as a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1964, houses remarkable elements such as Henri Charlier's stained glass windows and a Way of the Cross painted by Jeanne Christen. Its 45-metre bell tower dominates Avenue de Genève, a symbol of Annecy's urban growth.

Among the particularities of the basilica, one of its bells, Liberty Bell, is an exact replica of the American Liberty bell, melted in Annecy in 1950. This bell, offered in recognition of the historical ties between France and the United States, is part of a series of 57 bells distributed around the world. The four bells of the basilica, three of which were melted by Paccard in Annecy-le-Vieux, weigh between 40 kg and 1.8 tonnes and sound in harmony since the 1950s.

The basilica organ, built in 1872 by Stiehr and Mockers for the church of St.Philippe in Algiers, was saved from destruction during decolonization. Demonstrated in 1963, he was resettled in Saint-Joseph-des-Fins by Hartmann. With its 40 games and three keyboards, it is considered a historical monument. His inauguration brought together renowned organists such as Marie-Claire Alain and Michel Chapuis, highlighting his musical importance.

Part of the organ's funding was provided by an original initiative: the collection of papers by parishioners in the 1960s. Organized by the parish priest Folliet and a jocist, Alain Pochat, this campaign reflects the community commitment around the basilica. Today, Saint-Joseph-des-Fins remains an active place of worship and a testimony to Annecy's religious and architectural history.

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