Saint Francis de Sales Cathedral, Chambéry, France Verified listing

Saint Francis de Sales Cathedral, Chambéry, France

Chambéry Cathedral, known in French as Cathédrale Saint-François-de-Sales de Chambéry, stands as an important Roman Catholic church in Chambéry, France. Dedicated to Saint François de Sales, this cathedral serves as the seat of the Archbishopric of Chambéry, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, and Tarentaise. It was established in 1779 as the Bishopric of Chambéry. Subsequently, in 1801, the cathedral gained the territories of the Bishopric of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and the Archbishopric of Tarentaise. As a result, it elevated to an archbishopric in 1817.

However, in 1825, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Tarentaise re-emerged as independent dioceses. Then, in 1966, they rejoined the Archdiocese of Chambéry. In 2002, the archdiocese adopted its current name, reflecting its broader responsibilities. The cathedral's construction dates back to the 15th century, when builders originally built it as a Franciscan chapel. Despite the swampy conditions of its site, workers supported the structure with 30,000 poles, ensuring its stability.

When it became the cathedral in 1779, the building faced significant challenges during the French Revolution. It sustained extensive defacement at that time. Nevertheless, restorations in the early 19th century returned the interior to its former glory. Today, Chambéry Cathedral boasts the largest ensemble of trompe-l'œil painting in Europe, covering almost 6,000 square meters. Artists Sevesi and Vicario created these stunning artworks.

Moreover, visitors can explore a maze almost 35 meters long, originally laid down between 1860 and 1870. It was relaid in 1989. Adjacent to the cathedral, the local history museum, which once served as the Franciscan convent, connects to the cathedral through cloisters. This museum houses a remarkable 12th-century ivory diptych of Byzantine inspiration, enriching the site’s cultural and historical significance.

For More Churches