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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint Didier de Voreppe was built to replace an ancient Romanesque church of the twelfth century, which became too small and weakened by successive enlargements at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The decision to build a new building was taken in 1852, entrusting the project to the diocesan architect Alfred Berruyer. The works, initially estimated at 40,000 francs, begin in the same year, financed by a parish subscription (26,000 francs), supplemented by the municipality and the State. However, budgetary overruns require additional contributions: 36,000 francs from donors, 66,000 francs from the municipality and 11,000 francs from the State.

The construction was completed in 1862, but the church was fully operational only in 1875, due to constraints related to old houses obstructing the gate and bedside. The cult was officially transferred there on 6 September 1863. The building, of Gothic style in Latin cross, is distinguished by its murals made between 1870 and 1880 by Alexandre Debelle, forming a frieze of more than 100 meters illustrating a cross path and Christian figures. These works, as well as the stained glass windows (created by the Lusson and Saint Joseph workshops of Aix-en-Provence between 1866 and 1870), contribute to its listing of historical monuments in 1994.

In 1910, a fire caused by lightning damaged several wall paintings, aggravated by moisture over the decades. Roof repairs are being undertaken to protect the scenery. Since 2024, a major restructuring is under way, supported by the Heritage Foundation, in order to preserve this religious and artistic heritage emblematic of Isère.

The church now depends on the Catholic parish of Saint-Thomas de Rochebrune, in the diocese of Grenoble-Vienne. Its bell tower, its unique nave with four spans, and its semicircular bedside make it a remarkable example of religious architecture of the 3rd quarter of the 19th century in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

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