Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption was built between 1781 and 1785 in the hamlet of the Vuaz in Cordon, Haute-Savoie, to replace a castle chapel. His plan, designed by architect Jean-Pierre Mathole, is inspired by that of the church of Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle, with adaptations such as a transept with square ends and a larger bell tower. The stones of the old chapel and the presbytery were reused for its construction, which cost 4,800 pounds.

The interior frescoes, made in 1787 by the Swiss painter Léonard Isler, illustrate scenes of the life of Christ and Mary, including the mysteries of the rosary. The dome represents the joyful mysteries, while the forerunner and the nave evoke the painful and glorious mysteries. The bell tower bulb, dating from 1816, was badly damaged by a fire in 1973, triggered by lightning.

Ranked a historic monument in 1974, the church benefited from a state-funded restoration, including the reconstruction of the bell tower covered with patinated steel to imitate its original appearance. The frescoes were restored between 1978 and 1982, and a new work campaign took place between 2009 and 2011. The building was officially classified by order of 5 March 2004.

The church is an emblematic example of Savoyard Baroque art, with a two-span nave, a transept, a choir with a straight bedside and four lateral altars. Its bulb tower, characteristic of the region, is surmounted by an open-worked lantern. The cupola pendants represent the four evangelists, while the choir houses paintings of the Supper and Isaac's sacrifice.

The local association Cordon, Heritage of yesterday for tomorrow has contributed to the development of this heritage, in collaboration with the Historical Monuments. The restoration works have preserved the original techniques and materials, while adapting certain elements, such as the bell tower coating, to contemporary standards.

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