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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Antoine-du-Désert de Maurin is located in Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, in a remote valley of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, near the sources of Ubaye. This isolated site, accessible after the geological lock of the Blachière, housed several hamlets (La Barge, Maljasset, Combe-Brémont, Saint-Bernard) far from other inhabited areas. The inhabitants had to travel more than an hour's walk in the summer to reach the other communities, including Serenne, where their parish priest was.

In 1431, this isolated community obtained its erection in the parish, putting an end to the need for its inhabitants to descend to Serenne for religious services. This parish status reflected geographical isolation and access difficulties, while meeting local spiritual needs. The church, built in the 14th century, was classified as a historical monument by decree of 20 December 1920, thus recognizing its heritage value.

Before 1534, the inhabitants of neighbouring hamlets such as Fouillouse were also to travel to Serenne for religious ceremonies. The church of Saint-Antoine-du-Désert thus symbolized a new autonomy for this dispersed population, while remaining a gathering place in a hostile mountainous environment. Its ranking in 1920 allowed its preservation, highlighting its historical and architectural importance in the region.

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