Vérolliez
Origin of the name Vérolliez
The place appears in 1290 in the phrase « in prato de Viroleto » (in the meadow of Viroleto), then in 1746 in the form « in territorio Epauni Viroleto nuncupato » (in the territory of Epaune, at the place called Viroleto). The name reportedly comes from « virorum fletu », « the tears of men », a place near the abbey where the martyrs were mourned, which became « Viroleto » in the Middle Ages and then Vérolliez. Popular belief hears in it rather the « vrai lieu », the « true place » of the martyrdom.[1][2]
Founding of Vérolliez
Vérolliez owes its existence to the cult of the Theban martyrs. According to tradition, Saint Maurice and his companions were put to death here around 300, in the Rhône plain south of Agaune. Their bones were later moved to the foot of the cliff, where the abbey arose, but the place of execution remained venerated and the abbey kept a chapel here. The site was constantly threatened by floods and by the Mauvoisin torrent. Its strong symbolic value explains why a chapel has always survived here. Today Vérolliez is also a district of the municipality of Saint-Maurice.[2][3][1]
History of Vérolliez
380-390. Bishop Theodul has the bones of the soldiers of the Theban Legion moved from Vérolliez to the foot of the cliff at Agaune.[3]
late 11th century. Old chronicles credit a restoration of the chapel to Provost Wido, named in a deed of 1108.[1]
1174. Abbot Burcard restores the chapel in turn and considers moving the abbey buildings here. A new flood dissuades him.[1]
13th century. Almost entirely destroyed by a debris flow of the Mauvoisin, the building is rebuilt. Its north walls serve as a dyke against the torrent.[1]
1290. Aymon, Bishop of Vercelli, consecrates the chapel on 8 September, with the confirmation of Boniface, Bishop of Sion. It is dedicated to Saint Maurice, his companions and Saint Martin, and pilgrims gain an indulgence of forty days.[1]
1662. A portal is added at the initiative of Canon François Perriard.[1]
1739. On 10 September the abbey chapter decides to rebuild the chapel entirely, having first voted for its restoration in 1736.[1]
1744. A monumental portico rises in front of the stone where the sick used to pray.[1]
1746. Abbot Jean-Joseph Claret blesses the new chapel on 9 May. It is intended for the sick who come « de toute part demander leur guérison » (from everywhere to ask for healing).[1]
1747. The sculptor Jean Bozzo receives on 2 November the commission for a wooden altar.[1]
1891. Under Prior Revaz the chapel is whitewashed again and given a sacristy.[1]
1911-1912. Prior Pierre Bourban has central heating, a mosaic floor, an oculus window and a gallery installed. The roof is redone and the building raised. The Stations of the Cross painted by Joseph Morand are inaugurated on 1 October 1912.[1]
1972. The Sisters of Saint Maurice, for whom the chapel was their sanctuary and place of perpetual adoration, leave Vérolliez. The Société des Ciments Portland buys their land.[1]
1975-1976. The surroundings are filled and planted, and a forecourt is created west of the chapel.[1]
1982. On 4 January the Atelier d'archéologie médiévale of Moudon opens an excavation in the chapel, then under restoration.[1]
Historic sites in Vérolliez
Chapel of the Martyrs. It owes its present form to the 18th-century rebuilding. It is the end point of the trail of steles and a stop on the chapels trail of Saint-Maurice.[4][5]
Stone of the martyrdom. A large stone slab is fixed in the chapel. The sick came to pray in front of it.[1][2]
West forecourt. It holds up to two thousand people during the vigils of the feast of Saint Maurice. The great pilgrimages bring together more than 3'000 people.[1]
Legends of Vérolliez
The slab of the martyrdom. According to local tradition, Saint Maurice and his companions were executed on the large stone slab kept in the chapel. A standing stone may have served as the first memorial of the place and given rise to this tradition.[2][5][1]
The « vrai lieu ». For popular belief, the name Vérolliez means the « vrai lieu », the « true place » of the martyrdom of Saint Maurice.[2]
Sources
- Jean-Marie Theurillat, « La chapelle des Martyrs à Vérolliez : notes en cours de restauration », Echos de Saint-Maurice, t. 78, 1982, p. 226-234
- Saint-Maurice Tourisme, « Chapel of the Martyrs, Vérolliez »
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, article sur l'abbaye de Saint-Maurice (n° 011411, version du 30.07.2015)
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Saint-Maurice (commune) » (Gaëlle Bourguinet Eggs, version du 10.11.2021)
- Commune de Saint-Maurice, « Ballades agaunoises » (brochure de randonnées, 2022)
- Office fédéral de la statistique (OFS), STATPOP, chiffres provisoires au 31.12.2025, via citypopulation.de
- geo.admin.ch, recherche de lieux (coordonnées du quartier de Vérolliez)
Other villages near Vérolliez
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