Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church Saint-Christophe de Charnay, located in the Rhône department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, finds its origins at the end of the 11th century, when it was built as a chapel of the nearby castle. The choir and the base of the bell tower, dating from this period, bear witness to its Romanesque heritage. The building was enlarged and modified over the centuries, especially in the 16th century, before being listed as historic monuments on 19 July 1974.

The church houses a 13th century statue of Saint Christophe, which in turn is classified as a historical monument. This major piece is installed in the abside, highlighting the religious and artistic importance of the place. The bell tower, originally Romanesque, was raised in 1929 according to the plans of the architect Bonnetin, thus altering its original style but modernizing its structure.

The interior of the church is distinguished by its numerous lateral chapels, organized on both sides of the nave. On the north side, there are the chapels of Saint Claude, Saint Joseph and the Sacred Heart, while on the south the chapels of the Virgin, Saint Vincent and the baptismal fonts are aligned. These adjustments reflect the evolution of local devotional practices throughout the centuries.

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