Chambéry Catedral

You are now on the charming Cathedral Square. This enclosed square provides a sense of intimacy in front of the Saint Francis de Sales Cathedral. It was once a Franciscan chapel, which explains the simplicity of its facade. The order of the Franciscans is devoted to a simple and humble life. Additionally, the swampy ground, which supports the church with 30,000 larch wood pilings, did not allow for the construction of something more spectacular. Yet, you would miss out if you didn’t go and see it. While the outside may seem simple, the inside withholds many “trompe l’oeil” decors, or optical illusions, making it a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic. One might think that the walls are entirely carved with stone lace. These paintings were created in 1834 by the artist Casimir Vicario in the preferred style of the time in Savoy, the Gothic Troubadour. It’s a movement from the early 19th century that reinvents and seeks to reclaim glorified eras of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The first church was built in the 15th century, and elevated to the status of cathedral, in 1779, with the creation of the diocese of Chambéry. Since the 15th century, the Holy Shroud has been presented here on several occasions, attracting many believers. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Savoy’s attachment to France, the diocese of Turin offered Chambéry two copies of the shroud, one for the Holy Chapel that previously housed the relic and the other for the Cathedral. You will see it inside. Honestly, seeing the original is nearly impossible, so seeing the copy is already quite impressive. The site is classified as a historical monument. You can also access the cloister through the beautiful door on the left side of the cathedral. It belongs to the Savoy Museum but is accessible for free during the museum’s opening hours and offers a well-deserved quiet time. The museum itself has reopened after 8 years of renovation. Admission is charged, but its exhibition on the history of Savoy, from the Paleolithic era to modern times, is a reference in the field!