Wall paintings 1516 (≈ 1516)
Fresques on the south facade.
1531
Sculpted portal
Sculpted portal 1531 (≈ 1531)
Date engraved on the lintel.
XVe siècle
Initial construction
Initial construction XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Building of the present church.
XIXe siècle
Reconstruction of the bell tower
Reconstruction of the bell tower XIXe siècle (≈ 1865)
Destruction by lightning.
1913
MH classification
MH classification 1913 (≈ 1913)
Church protection.
1933
Classification of land
Classification of land 1933 (≈ 1933)
Protection of the approaches.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Church: by decree of 22 October 1913; To the east, the road of a width of about 5 m 50; to the north, the portion of land on a width of 8 m from the north wall of the sacristy; to the west, the road to the edge of private property; to the south, the place to the wall built of stones and to the iron railing following this wall: classification by order of 28 August 1933
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any specific historical actors related to this monument.
Origin and history
The church of Saint-Apollinaire de L'Argentière-la-Bessée, located in the Hautes-Alpes, dates mainly from the 15th century, although its bell tower was rebuilt in the 19th century after being destroyed by lightning. Ranked a historic monument in 1913, it is remarkable for its 16th century (1516) murals on the southern facade. These frescoes, attributed to an Italian artist, illustrate the themes of Vices and Vertus, adding an artistic and symbolic dimension to the building.
The church, oriented with a unique nave and a square choir vaulted with warheads, presents a carved portal dating from 1531, replacing an older entrance preceded by a porch. The painted decoration of the south facade, dated 1516, and the architectural elements of local marble and tuf testify to its historical importance. The bell tower, redone at the end of the 19th century, and the recent shingle cover complete the transformations of the building over the centuries.
Originally, the church replaced an ancient parish church mentioned in 1293, located near the dungeon. The surrounding lands, classified in 1933, as well as the protected elements such as the baptismal fonts, the side chapels and the sacristy, underline its heritage status. The presence of shootings, arches and details painted in red on the windows reinforces its unique architectural character in the region.
The building, owned by the commune, embodies both a place of worship and a witness to Renaissance religious art in the Alps. Its ranking among historical monuments and its integration into the diocese of Gap and Emprun make it a must-see site for the study of the Provencal and Alpine religious heritage.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review