Foundation of the monastery 1610 (≈ 1610)
Creation of the Order of Visitation Sainte-Marie.
1642
Construction begins
Construction begins 1642 (≈ 1642)
Work of the baroque church begins.
1789-1799
French Revolution
French Revolution 1789-1799 (≈ 1794)
Turned into a factory during this period.
1923
Back to worship
Back to worship 1923 (≈ 1923)
The church is restored to its religious function.
1952
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 1952 (≈ 1952)
Official recognition of its heritage.
2003
Restoration
Restoration 2003 (≈ 2003)
Restoration work of the building.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Registered MH
Key figures
Jeanne de Chantal - Co-founder of the Visitation Order
His tomb was sheltered in the church.
François de Sales - Bishop and co-founder of the Order
His tomb was also present.
Origin and history
Saint Francis Church, nicknamed the Italian Church, is a Catholic building located in the old town of Annecy, Haute-Savoie. Built from 1642 in a Baroque style, it was originally the sanctuary of the first monastery of the Order of Visitation Sainte-Marie, founded in 1610. Its façade is inspired by that of the Gesù church in Rome, an emblematic model of Baroque religious architecture.
During the French Revolution, the church was transformed into a factory, thus losing its initial religious function. It was not until 1923 that it was restored to worship until it was restored in 2003. It once housed the tombs of Jeanne de Chantal and François de Sales, two major figures of the Order of the Visitation, whose remains were later transferred to the Basilica of the Visitation.
The building has been listed as a historic monument since 1952, recognizing its heritage importance. Its history reflects the political and religious upheavals of France, while at the same time bearing witness to the artistic and spiritual heritage of the Savoyard Baroque.
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