Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Church of Our Lady of Lovagny finds its origins in the 11th century, when a primitive church dedicated to Mary is given between 1032 and 1044 at Savigny Abbey (Lyonnais). A cartular of 1029 or 1040 already attests to its existence. This initial building, which became priory, today preserves its Romanesque choir with thick walls of 1.20 m, as well as part of the bell tower and cure, dated the 11th–12th centuries. The built-in tabernacle and the 17th-century communion table are the oldest remains.

Major reconstruction took place in the 19th century: the 18th century church, enlarged in 1833 but considered too small after the annexation of Savoy (1860), was replaced by the present building. The plans, signed by the architect Dénarié, resulted in a solemn consecration by the bishop of Annecy Louis-Ernest-Romain Isoard on 14 October 1888, after 27 years of work. The parish priest Jean-Marie Tapponnier (1885–1933), nicknamed the "curé des chemins de fer", played a key role in this project, which was completed in 1890.

The bell tower, partially tufted and redesigned in the 15th to 16th centuries, houses three bells, including Benedicta (1878), offered by a former owner of the Château de Montrottier. The stained-glass windows of 1833 adorned the choir (Marie, Saint-Bruno, Saint-Victor) and the lateral chapels: Virgin (17th century) and Saint Joseph. These chapels house statues and stained glass windows dedicated to François de Sales, Saint-Benoît, Saint-Georges and Sainte-Louise de Savoie, reflecting Savoyard religious heritage.

Since 2005, the church depends on the parish "Saint-Luc between Fier and Mandallaz", comprising six communes. Its history illustrates the architectural and community transformations of Haute-Savoie, between medieval heritage and modern adaptations.

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