Martigny-Croix
Origin of the name Martigny-Croix
The place is also called « La Croix ». The origin of this name is not known.
Founding of Martigny-Croix
Martigny-Croix, or La Croix, is the chief town of the municipality of Martigny-Combe. After the Lombards passed through at the end of the 6th century, the people of the area had taken refuge on the heights. Once peace returned, they came back down to the plain and formed, along the Great St Bernard road, the settlements of La Croix, Le Bourg and then Martigny-Ville. In the 13th century the noble family of Martigny occupied the Vidondé house, at the foot of Les Rappes, above La Croix. Hotel-keeping is among the activities of the place, as at the Col de la Forclaz.[1][2]
History of Martigny-Croix
13th century. After the ruin of the castle of La Crête (Saint-Jean), the noble de Martigny family lives in the house of the Vidondé, at the foot of Les Rappes, above La Croix.[2]
1841. La Combe separates from Martigny and becomes a municipality, with La Croix as its chief town.[1]
1955. A temporary chapel is set up in a site hut between the Dranse and the main street of La Croix.[5]
1968. On 22 September the foundation stone of the church is laid, blessed by Mgr Angelin Lovey, provost of the Great St Bernard.[5]
1970. On 14 June Mgr Nestor Adam, bishop of Sion, consecrates the Saint-Joseph church, which belongs to the parish of Martigny.[1][5]
1980. The municipal school centre opens at La Croix.[1]
Historic sites in Martigny-Croix
Church of Saint-Joseph. Church of the chief town, attached to the parish of Martigny and served by the canons of the Great St Bernard. The architect Marius Zryd, of Martigny, built it in concrete on a square plan, with a single-pitch roof set on the diagonal. The stained glass is by Paul Monnier, the tabernacle and ambo by the Fribourg artist Yoki. It cost 856'000 francs. Its patronal feast falls on 19 March.[1][5]
Sources
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Martigny-Combe » (Albano Hugon, version du 15.12.2009)
- Louis Blondel, « Le vieux château de la Crête de Martigny ou de Saint-Jean », Vallesia, 5, 1950, p. 185-192 (via RERO DOC)
- Office fédéral de la statistique (OFS), STATPOP, chiffres provisoires au 31.12.2025, via citypopulation.de
- geo.admin.ch, recherche de lieux (coordonnées de Martigny-Croix)
- Commune de Martigny-Combe, « Eglise St-Joseph, Martigny-Croix » (Patrimoine, édifices religieux)
Other villages near Martigny-Croix
Missing information, or do you have a source? Suggest a correction or addition. Every submission is checked before it's published.
Suggest a change