Saint-Sylve
Origin of the name Saint-Sylve
The place is named after the old church dedicated to Saint Sylve. The dedication passed to the parish church of Vex, the new church of Saint-Sylve, built in 1962.[1][2][4]
Founding of Saint-Sylve
The old church of Saint-Sylve stands apart from the village of Vex, in the municipality of the same name. Its first building dates from the Romanesque period, most likely the late 11th century, and the nave is its oldest part. The building was later altered several times, which explains its lack of architectural unity. Lying far from the village, the church was abandoned in favour of a chapel of Saints Anthony and Blaise built in the village.[1][2]
History of Saint-Sylve
late 11th century. First building of the church, in Romanesque style, in all likelihood at this time.[1]
second half of the 12th century. Probable addition of the old sacristy at the north-east corner of the nave.[1]
14th century. To give the faithful more room, a gallery is installed over about two thirds of the nave.[1]
late 14th or early 15th century. The present bell tower is built at the turn of the two centuries.[1]
last quarter of the 15th century. A square choir replaces the Romanesque apse. It is the most radical intervention in the original building.[1]
16th century. A chapel of Saints Anthony and Blaise, probably built at this time in the village, takes the place of the distant church.[2]
17th century. The dead are buried inside the church.[1]
17th or 18th century. The bell tower most likely receives its pyramidal spire with six dormers.[1]
1714. Construction of the new sacristy, the last addition to the building. The date appears above its east window.[1]
1984-1991. The church undergoes an archaeological investigation and a complete restoration.[3]
1989. Publication of a study devoted to the old church of Saint-Sylve in Vex.[2][3]
Historic sites in Saint-Sylve
Romanesque nave. The oldest part of the church has remained almost intact. A gallery was installed in it in the 14th century.[1][2]
Bell tower. Its paired windows recall those of the towers of Nax and Evolène. The pyramidal spire has six dormers.[1]
Remains in Saint-Sylve
Graves. Ten graves were found inside the church. Coins found in their fill date the burials to the 17th century. One of the graves faced the opposite way, an arrangement typical of priests.[1]
Sources
- Commune de Vex, patrimoine-vex.ch, « L'ancienne église Saint-Sylve »
- Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz (Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse), « Vex » (Catherine Raemy-Berthod, version du 03.01.2015, version allemande)
- Bibliothèque nationale suisse, HelveticArchives, Archives fédérales des monuments historiques, dossier « Vex, Église Saint-Sylve, 1984-1991 » (EAD-167502)
- Commune de Vex, patrimoine-vex.ch, « Nouvelle église St-Sylve »
- geo.admin.ch, recherche de lieux (coordonnées de l'édifice)
Other villages near Saint-Sylve
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