Église Saint-Pierre d’Extravache, church located in Savoie, in France
Église Saint-Pierre d'Extravache is a small Romanesque church in Val-Cenis built with thick stone walls and modest proportions. The oldest part, the apse, dates to the 11th century and displays the characteristic Romanesque style with solid construction and narrow windows.
The church was likely built in the 10th century in place of an earlier sanctuary and follows Romanesque design. It suffered damage from fires in the 14th century and 1803 but was rebuilt each time, with the original 11th-century apse preserved.
The church is named after Saint Peter and has served as a gathering place for the faithful in the Maurienne region for centuries. Its simple Romanesque design with thick walls and small windows reflects the building traditions of mountain communities.
The church is open year-round and sits on a mountain road that may close in winter. Visitors can reach the site in cold months using snowshoes or a shuttle bus to access it.
The church houses a notable fresco from the early 17th century depicting Christ in majesty surrounded by the apostles. Though faded, the painting remains visible and adds a layer of artistic and spiritual history to the interior.
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