Diogne
Origin of the name Diogne
Known since the 14th century as part of a quarter of the Contrée de Lens, Diogne bears a name whose meaning remains obscure.[1]
Founding of Diogne
When the hamlet began is not known. In the 14th century, Diogne formed with Montana and Chermignon-d'en-Bas one of the quarters of the Contrée de Lens, in the dizain of Sierre. Once an important village, it had a castle in the 16th century where Barbe de Platea lived. It later belonged to the former municipality of Montana. Lying between Montana and Chermignon, it has been part of the municipality of Crans-Montana since the 2017 merger.[1][2]
History of Diogne
14th century. With Montana and Chermignon-d'en-Bas, Diogne forms one of the quarters of the Contrée de Lens.[1]
16th century. A castle stands in the hamlet. Barbe de Platea lives there. It has since disappeared.[2]
mid-17th century. The plague has decimated the inhabitants: only four souls remain in Diogne.[2]
late 17th century. The chapel, dedicated to Saint Michael, is rebuilt.[2]
1946. The inhabitants have to build the access road to the hamlet themselves.[2]
1980. Diogne has only 20 inhabitants left.[2]
2017. On 1 January, Montana, to which Diogne belongs, merges with Chermignon, Mollens and Randogne into the municipality of Crans-Montana.[1][3]
2020. The inhabitants take steps to bring the hamlet back to life. The old forge is turned into a bed and breakfast.[2]
Historic sites in Diogne
Saint-Michel chapel. Chapel rebuilt in the late 17th century. Its baroque altar bears an altarpiece showing the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.[2]
Le Boup. West of the hamlet, a landslide scar carved by a fall of unstable, coloured rock.[2]
Grand Bisse de Lens. The irrigation channel runs east of the hamlet, with a view over the Rhône valley.[2]
Legends of Diogne
Barbe de Platea's bell. Barbe de Platea reportedly sold her silverware to pay for the great bell of the church of Lens. According to legend, the bell was to ring out in full peal each time the lady left Diogne to attend Mass in Lens.[2]
Sources
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Montana » (Hugues Rey, version du 12.01.2017)
- Crans-Montana Tourisme & Congrès, « Diogne »
- Crans-Montana Tourisme & Congrès, « Historique »
- Office fédéral de la statistique (OFS), STATPOP, chiffres provisoires au 31.12.2025, via citypopulation.de
- geo.admin.ch, service de recherche de swisstopo (Diogne)
Other villages near Diogne
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