Massonnens
Origin of the name Massonnens
In 929-930 the place is called « Mansaningis » or « Massaningis ». Where the name comes from is not known.[1]
Founding of Massonnens
Massonnens lies on a terrace above the right bank of the Neirigue and includes the village and the hamlet of Ferlens. Graves and a few Roman objects show early settlement. In the Middle Ages the place formed a small lordship and gave its name to a noble family recorded in the 13th and 14th centuries. In 1532 François de Billens, lord of Macconnens, sold to Fribourg all his ground rents in Massonnens. The village belonged to the parish of Orsonnens until 1665. Livestock farming still dominated in 2000.[1][2]
History of Massonnens
Roman period. A few isolated objects from this period have been found at Massonnens.[1]
929-930. The place is recorded as « Mansaningis » or « Massaningis ».[1]
13th-14th centuries. A noble family bears the name of Massonnens.[1]
1532. François de Billens, lord of Macconnens, sells to Fribourg all the ground rents he holds in Massonnens.[1]
1540. The chapel of Saint-Maurice is first recorded.[1][2]
1663. On 29 September, during Bishop de Strambin's pastoral visit, the people of Massonnens and Ferlens ask to separate from the parish of Orsonnens.[2]
1665. Despite opposition from Orsonnens, the canons of Saint-Nicolas and the authorities, the nuncio confirms the creation of the parish.[1][2]
1672. On 27 November a church of Saint-Maurice is consecrated in place of the old chapel, which has been demolished.[1][2]
Until 1798. Massonnens belongs to the bailiwick of Pont-Farvagny.[1]
1798-1848. The village belongs to the district of Romont, then from 1803 to 1848 to that of Farvagny.[1]
1846-1857. The architect Corboz begins a new church in 1846, below the old one. Halted in 1847, work resumes around 1850, and Bishop Marilley consecrates the building on 27 October 1857.[1][2]
1861. Deschwanden makes the statue of Saint Maurice for the high altar.[2]
1888. The farmers found a dairy cooperative.[1]
2000. The municipality has 24 farms, mostly raising livestock.[1]
2007. There is a machine workshop, a transport company and a specialist shoe shop in a former tannery.[1]
2010. Massonnens joins a merger study with Châtonnaye, La Folliaz, Torny, Villaz-Saint-Pierre and Villorsonnens.[4]
2014. In the consultative vote of 28 September the citizens of Massonnens say yes, while Châtonnaye, Torny and Villorsonnens say no.[4]
2018. New lighting is installed in the church.[2]
2023. On 1 January the parish merges with those of Le Châtelard and Grangettes.[3]
Population of Massonnens
Sources and references: [1][5]
| 1811 | 282 |
| 1850 | 344 |
| 1900 | 377 |
| 1950 | 413 |
| 1980 | 316 |
| 2000 | 403 |
| 2025 | 605 |
Historic sites in Massonnens
Church of Saint-Maurice. Built of molasse on a raised site above the village, the three-aisled church of 1857 has 200 seats. A large bronze crucifix marks the entrance to the choir, and a wooden Christ, formerly in the cemetery, stands on an altar. One area is dedicated to Notre-Dame de Lourdes.[1][2]
Ferlens. This hamlet is part of the municipality and joined Massonnens in 1663 in asking for a parish of its own.[1][2]
Remains in Massonnens
Graves and Roman objects. Graves of uncertain date and isolated Roman objects have been found within the municipality.[1]
Church of 1672. Consecrated on 27 November 1672 in place of the chapel of Saint-Maurice, it was replaced in 1857 by the present church, built lower down.[1][2]
Sources
- Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, « Massonnens » (Evelyne Maradan, version du 01.09.2008)
- Unité pastorale de la Glâne, « Église de Massonnens »
- Unité pastorale de la Glâne, « Le Châtelard-Massonnens-Grangettes »
- Conseil d'État du canton de Fribourg, message 2018-DIAF-25 du 25 mars 2019 accompagnant le projet de décret relatif à la fusion des communes de La Folliaz et Villaz-Saint-Pierre
- Service de la statistique du canton de Fribourg (SStat), « Population des communes, de 1900 à 2025 » (T01-02-03), population résidante permanente au 31.12.2025
Other villages near Massonnens
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