Église circulaire de Saas-Balen
Origin of the name Église circulaire de Saas-Balen
The church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin (Mariä Himmelfahrt). It is called the « round church » (Rundkirche) because of its plan: the nave and the choir are two cylindrical spaces merged into one another. It is also known as the old parish church (Alte Pfarrkirche).[1][2][3]
Founding of Église circulaire de Saas-Balen
The church stands in the village of Saas-Balen, at Kirchweg 2. Johann Josef Andenmatten built it from 1809 to 1812 in place of an older chapel, from which it took over the high altar, a Rococo altar and an altarpiece. Why this circular plan was chosen is not explained. It was used for worship until a new church was built in 1958. It is listed in category A of the federal inventory of cultural property.[1][2][3]
History of Église circulaire de Saas-Balen
first half of the 18th century. A traditional altarpiece with a painting of the Lamentation of Christ is made for the chapel that preceded the church.[1]
1744. The chapel's high altar, with its figures and a highly dramatic Assumption group, bears this date.[1]
around 1780-1790. A Rococo altar with a statue of St Joseph is added to the furnishings.[1]
1809-1812. Johann Josef Andenmatten builds the circular church, completed in 1812.[1][2]
1958. A new church is built. The round church ceases to be the parish church.[1][2]
1993-1994. The building is renovated.[1]
Historic sites in Église circulaire de Saas-Balen
Two cylinders. The tall building combines two cylindrical volumes of different sizes, the nave and the choir. Each carries a shallow conical roof resting on corbels. The facade has a Tuscan-order porch and incorporates a small tower with an onion dome.[1]
Interior. A full dome covers the nave and the choir is vaulted. Corinthian pilasters articulate the walls. The vault paintings may be by Ignace Broccard. Above the entrance, a small gallery with a balustrade is reached by an outside staircase.[1]
Altars. The high altar of 1744, taken over from the earlier chapel, is modelled on that of the Ringacker chapel in Leuk. There are also a Rococo altar of St Joseph (around 1780-1790) and an altarpiece of the Lamentation of Christ (first half of the 18th century).[1]
Sources
- Office fédéral de la protection de la population, Inventaire suisse des biens culturels (PBC), fiche KGS 6967 « Alte Pfarrkirche Mariä Himmelfahrt » (texte de la Société d'histoire de l'art en Suisse, Kunstführer durch die Schweiz)
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Saas-Balen » (Paul Martone, trad. Florence Piguet, version du 09.02.2011)
- geo.admin.ch, Inventaire PBC, objet 6967 « Rundkirche Mariä Himmelfahrt » (catégorie, adresse et coordonnées)
Other villages near Église circulaire de Saas-Balen
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