Chiesa parrocchiale di Saint-Léger

The parish church of Saint-Léger in Aymavilles combines an early medieval crypt with a church rebuilt in the eighteenth century. Its detached bell tower preserves a bell dated 1372, among the oldest dated bells in the Aosta Valley.

Why it matters

The building brings together several phases of religious architecture. The crypt's oldest fabric dates to the last quarter of the tenth century, while the present single-nave church was built between 1760 and 1762. Painted decoration added in the nineteenth century creates another distinct layer.

What to notice

The church's façade is covered with trompe-l'œil painting from 1856–1857 by an artist named Grange. At its centre is the martyrdom of Saint Léger, flanked by other saints. The medieval bell tower stands slightly apart from the church and is topped by an octagonal pyramid spire. Its bell bears an inscription and the date 1372. Inside are an organ built in 1848 by G. N. Cesa and a high altar carved in 1856 by Freydoz of Brusson. The low-vaulted crypt has an oratory-like form.

Context and history

The church is recorded in a papal bull of 1145 and was transferred to the bishop of Aosta in 1424. The current building replaced an earlier church and was rebuilt in 1760–1762. Archaeological work in the crypt revealed Roman-period traces, including features interpreted as possible thermal structures. The Fondation Grand Paradis opened the crypt to visitors after excavations in 2017.