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Origin and history

The church of Vialle, in Montmorin, finds its origins in the 13th century as a castral chapel linked to the castle fort of Montmorin, noble family of Auvergne attested from the year millet. The building, with a rectangular plan without transept, is divided into three unequal spans: the narrower and arched choir carries the arms of the Montmorin, while the nave, transformed in the 15th and 16th centuries, has arches and doubles decorated with coats of arms supported by angels. The southern gate and choir probably date from the 15th century work campaign.

Originally integrated into the defensive system of the castle (mentioned in 1102), the church became parishioner on an indefinite date. It underwent major changes: expansion of the first span before 1745, destruction of the bell tower during the Revolution (replaced by a bell tower before 1872), and addition of a stand in the 19th century. Closed in 1875 for obstinateness, it was briefly used by Protestants dissatisfied with the movement of the cult, before being reopened in 1879 and again became parishioners after 1904.

The adjacent castle, whose remains of the 12th–13th centuries dominate the site, belongs to the Montmorin until the Revolution. Sold as national property in 1794, its first enclosure was converted into agricultural buildings, while the second, considered indestructible because of its size (60 to 80 feet high), fell into ruin. Partially restored in the 20th century, it now houses a museum. The church, classified as Historic Monument in 1985, preserves remarkable elements such as a staircase in the northwest tower and carved coat of arms.

The archives reveal repairs planned in 1776 and a critical state in 1801–1802. The first span, disoriented from the others, could result from an expansion prior to 1745, when a presbytery was attached to it. The current chimney comes from Tourzel-Ronzières Castle, and the staircase in front of the seigneurial house incorporates elements of Clermont re-use. These details illustrate the successive reuses and adaptations of the site over the centuries.

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