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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church Saint-Laurent de Pressiat, located in Val-Revermont in the department of Ain, is cited from the 13th century as dependent on the abbey Saint-Pierre de Gigny. It underwent an almost complete reconstruction in the 14th century, with a simple Gothic choir and a broken vaulted nave. These transformations reflect the influence of religious orders in local architecture, while the current bell tower and sacristy date back to 1865, added by architect Demierre.

In the 15th century, two seigneurial chapels were built: the northern chapel, dedicated to Notre-Dame, was built by the family of Andelot (Teachers of Pressiat), while the southern chapel, under the name Notre-Dame and Saint-Sébastien, was founded by Pierre de Civria. These chapels illustrate the involvement of noble families in the beautification of the building, with architectural elements such as vaults on cross of warheads and flamboyant windows.

The murals of the choir, rediscovered in 1986, constitute a rare collection of late 14th or mid 15th century. They represent a Last Judgment (with Paradise, Hell and chastisement of vices), an Annunciation, as well as saints and an anonymous donor. Made with a reduced palette (ocres, coal black, blue/green gradient), these frescoes were restored between 1990 and 1994. Their style suggests a link with Pierre de Civria, although this hypothesis remains unconfirmed.

The church was listed as historic monuments on April 9, 2008, protecting the entire building, including its murals. The latter offer a precious testimony of medieval religious art in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, with stylistic parallels observable in other alpine churches, such as that of Issoire.

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