The parish church of Saint-Ours in Cogne
The village church at the foot of Gran Paradiso, and its Baroque wooden altarpiece
Cogne lies in the Gran Paradiso National Park, at the head of a wide valley of mountain pastures. Its parish church, dedicated to St Ours, towers over the village with its massive bell tower. Its origins go back to the Middle Ages, but the building you see today dates mostly from the 17th and 18th centuries.
A light to choose the site
A local legend tells how the church found its place. The people of Cogne had a long way to go to attend Mass. They are said to have prayed for a church closer to home. A light then appeared, showing the spot where it should be built.
From the 12th to the 18th century
The earliest traces of the church go back to the 12th century. Its foundation is attributed to the Canons Regular of St Augustine. The building was altered several times. The most important works date from the 17th and 18th centuries: the nave was enlarged and the present bell tower was built at that time.
Thick walls and a sturdy bell tower
The church follows a pattern common in the villages of the Aosta Valley. It has a Latin-cross plan. Its thick walls are built of local stone. The bell tower is broad and squat. The whole building is made to last.
The altarpiece and the frescoes
The interior is simple and bright. The eye is drawn first to the altarpiece, a large Baroque work in carved wood behind the altar. Frescoes cover the vaults and walls. They show scenes from the Bible and saints.
Processions and feast days
For centuries the villagers’ year followed the church calendar. Processions, pilgrimages and religious feasts marked the seasons. Many of these popular traditions started from Saint-Ours. It was also here that families gathered for the great religious feasts, for weddings and for the funerals of their loved ones.
Restoring without spoiling
Time and the weather have damaged the building. The restorers chose natural materials and traditional techniques. The aim was to strengthen the building without changing its character.
The church is still used for worship. The municipality and local associations are also working to make it better known to visitors to Cogne.
The church of Saint-Ours in Cogne
Rue Docteur Grappein, 47
11012 Cogne (AO)
(+39) 0165 749695
