L'église Saint-Jean Baptiste

The church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in the village of Aiguilles is a key part of the town's heritage, and one to which its residents remain very attached. This witness to the village's daily history is now showing clear signs of deterioration in the roof, the interior of the church and the stained glass windows, among others.

Built in the Middle Ages, the parish church of Aiguilles, the cemetery and the presbytery were swept away by a flood from the Lombard torrent on 24 June 1431. Rebuilt in 1433 on the site where a small chapel dedicated to Saint-Jean-Baptiste used to stand, at the bottom of Condamine hill, it overlooks Aiguilles and although it is no longer threatened by flooding, it suffered during the Wars of Religion and was twice burnt down.

Completely rebuilt in the 17th century, it has been altered many times. The bell tower dates from 1620, the choir has been reversed and now faces west. Two side chapels have been added to the central nave, giving it the shape of a Latin cross. The church was subsequently extended on several occasions.

The current decor dates back to 1856, when Abbée Gignoux was the parish priest. The interior décor is an exceptional 19th-century ensemble, with a stuccoed vault covered in rosettes. The stained glass windows, chandeliers, statues, etc. were donated by local residents. The huge rug in front of the altar was embroidered by the ladies of the village. The floor and tiling of the side aisles were redone in 1927.

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