Visit: The Romanesque bell tower of Annecy-le-Vieux
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In the capital, two churches would have cohabited in the past. Historians think that a first church dedicated to Notre-Dame preceded the church dedicated to Saint Laurent. The bell tower would have been common to both. In the first half of the 12th century, the church of Notre Dame and its bell tower were rebuilt. The bell tower survived. On each side, it is open to two floors of twin bays with columns with capitals with vegetal decoration characteristic of Romanesque architecture. At the base of the bell tower, a limestone block probably comes from an ancient monument. He bears a dedication to the god Jupiter To Jupiter very good and very great,... Vinicius Severue gives this altar in his name and that of his father, Lucius Vinicius Latrinus». In 1988, painted decorations were discovered inside the bell tower. Dating from the 15th century, they represent a group of apostles where are recognizable Saint Barthélémy (knife), Saint Paul (sword) and Saint James the Major (pilgrim’s staff).
Visit led by Les Amis du vieux clocher.
Duration: 20 minutes continuous.
Accessible activity for young people and/or families.