Saint Nicholas Church en Savoie

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Origin and history

The Church of Saint-Nicolas de Cluses is a former Catholic parish church located in the suburbs of Saint-Nicolas, Haute-Savoie. Built in 1733, it replaces a primitive building whose wall inscription suggests an origin dating back to the eighth century, although this claim lacks reliable sources. The first mention of a parish priest dates from 1247, and a convent of the Cordeliers settled there around 1471, with a church dedicated to Saint Nicolas-des-Franciscans-de-l'Observance, consecrated in 1485.

The reconstruction of the church in the 18th century was discussed about its location. Despite a proposal to move on the Chessy rock, parishioners chose to maintain the original location. Work began in 1733 and ended in 1735, with the building of the bell tower in 1736. The church was consecrated in 1766 by the bishop of Geneva, Jean-Pierre Biord. During the French Revolution, the bell tower was dismantled during the occupation of the Duchy of Savoy.

In the 19th century, the state of degradation of the church of Saint Nicholas led to its abandonment to the church of the Cordeliers in 1847. Sold in 1888 to a watchmaker, Louis Carpano, it became a warehouse in the 1980s after losing its bell tower. The three-nave building today bears witness to a complex historical heritage, marked by varied transformations and uses over the centuries.

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