• Historic site and monument

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral

It was built in the 15th century by the Franciscans and became a cathedral in 1779, when the diocese of Chambéry was created. Behind a simple façade, it houses the largest collection of trompe-l'oeil paintings in Europe (6000m²).

Historic site and monument St. Francis de Sales Cathedral Chambéry

About

Chambéry (73000)
Unguided individual tours available permanently
Average duration of an individual visit : 00h30

The work started in 1418 and the church was finished in 1587. It became cathedral in 1779 and then metropolis in 1817 when Chambéry became an archdiocese.

The front isn't showing the customary greatness of cathedrals. It's explained by the franciscan modesty but also by the swampy subsoil which required the installation of more than 30000 larch piers. Such planting didn't allow the construction of a slender structure.

On the other hand, the inside is striking with its greatness and its Flamboyant Gothic style very simple. The main caracteristic of the Saint-François de Sales Cathedral remains however in its trompe-l'oeil paintings which cover the walls and vaults. It was realized in 1834 by Casimir Vicario who privileged the Troubadour Gothic style which was very popular in Savoy at the time.

Its romantic organ dating from 1847, classified historical monument, is the work of Augustin Zeiger. With its 50 registers on 3 piano keys and pedalboard, its one of the most important of the region Rhône-Alpes.

Since 2010, a copy of the "Turin Shroud" is exposed in the cathedral. It has been offered by the Turin Archbishop for the 150th anniversary of the Savoy join with France.

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    Reception

    Languages visits : German, English, Spanish, French, Italian
    Languages informatives signs : French

    Opening

    From 11/03 to 30/04/2024
    Opening hours on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 2 pm and 5 pm. On Sunday between 10 am and 12.30 pm and between 3 pm and 5 pm.

    From 01/05 to 31/10/2024
    Opening hours on Monday between 10 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 8.45 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm. On Sunday between 10 am and 12.30 pm and between 3 pm and 6 pm.

    From 01/11 to 21/12/2024
    Opening hours on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 2 pm and 5 pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday . On Sunday between 10 am and 3 pm.

    From 22/12/2024 to 05/01/2025
    Opening hours on Monday between 10 am and 12 pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 8.45 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm. On Sunday between 10 am and 2 pm.

    Labels and rating

    Gothic
    15th C
    16th C

    Equipments
    • Car park
    • Coach parking

    Access

    Place de la Métropole 73000 Chambéry

    Close to bus lines C, 1, 2, 5 and 19 (stop "Curial"). More information on synchro.grandchambery.fr.

    Information update on 12/03/2024 by Grand Chambéry Alpes Tourisme