Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Basilica of the Visitation of Annecy, located on the crêt du Maure, is an emblematic monument of the city, visible miles in the round. It embodies Annecy's rich religious heritage, marked by the influence of François de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal, founders of the Order of Visitation in 1610. Its impressive architecture, with a 72-metre bell tower topped by a 7-metre bronze cross, makes it an essential landmark.

The basilica was built from 1922 to 1930, according to plans of architect Alfred-Henri Recoura, winner of the Rome Prize. A first project, designed by Henri Adé at the end of the 19th century, had been rejected, although the latter finally drew the crypt. The basilica was consecrated in 1949 by Cardinal Federico Tedeschini. It is adjacent to the Mother-House Monastery of the Order of Visitation, founded in 1610.

The bodies of François de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal, placed in golden bronze sarcophagi, were transferred in 1911 during a solemn ceremony. In 2007, the remains of two missionaries, Pierre-Marie Mermier and Pierre-Joseph Rey, were also transferred to the crypt. The basilica houses a carillon of 37 bells, including a four-ton bumblebee named Marie Françoise, and stained glass windows evoking the life of the founding saints.

The Salesian Museum, located in an annex to the monastery, traces the history of the Order of Visitation, Jeanne de Chantal, and François de Sales. The latter, Bishop of Geneva in exile at Annecy from 1602 to 1622, profoundly marked the city. A memorial dedicated to Saint-François de Sales was set up in the old monastery of the Visitation in the old town of Annecy.

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