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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Nizier de Saint-Nizier-de-Fornas was mentioned in the 11th century in the cartular of Savigny, dependent on the abbey of Ainay (Lyon) from 1153. Its nave, built in the late 11th or early 12th century, bears witness to its Romanesque origins. In 1225 it was placed under the patronage of the Priory of Saint-Romain-le-Puy (Loire), marking its anchor in the regional monastic network. The first vaults, damaged since 1379, reveal early structural fragility.

In the 15th century, major transformations were initiated: a bell tower on the façade was started (but unfinished), and a northern chapel was added to the nave. The late 15th or early 16th century saw the construction of the current choir and bell tower, as well as two southern chapels, one adorned with the arms of Falcon de Boutheon (prieur from 1484 to 1516). These additions reflect the influence of local lords and the evolution towards Gothic style.

The sixteenth century was marked by the addition of a porch, while in 1683 the sacristy was built under the impulse of parish priest Benoît Jarrige, as evidenced by an inscription. The chapels were reorganized into collaterals in the 19th century, and the adjacent cemetery was abolished in 1883-1884 to create a public square. The restorations of the 20th century (inner stripping in 1958-1959, joining walls in 1984-1985) aim to preserve this monument inscribed in the Historical Monuments since 1925.

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