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About this place
Église d'Ovronnaz is the Catholic church of Ovronnaz, a mountain spa and ski village in the municipality of Leytron, canton of Valais, Switzerland. Locals also call it the chapel. It is dedicated to Saint Mary, Mother of God (Sainte Marie Mère de Dieu), and its feast is held on 15 August.
How did the church come to be?
A small chapel once served the village. As Ovronnaz grew, a debate in 1971 weighed enlarging it against starting over. The old chapel was taken down and a bigger building went up in its place, with construction running from June 1972 to the end of 1973 at a cost of roughly CHF 800,000. The Bishop of Sion, Mgr Adam, consecrated it on 11 August 1974.
What will you see inside?
This is a modern 1970s building, so expect no medieval walls. The main level holds a choir and a nave with about 350 seats, a generous size for a small village, explained by the seasonal influx of visitors. The plans also included an apartment and parish rooms covering around 480 m² in the basement. It is a good example of a resort church designed for tourists and skiers as much as for residents.
Where is Ovronnaz and why stop here?
Ovronnaz sits on a terrace above the Rhône valley at about 1,330 m, not far from Martigny. The village is known for its three thermal pools, two of them outdoors, and for its ski area. Nearby summits include the Grand Chavalard, the Muveran massif and the Haut de Cry, all popular with hikers. The church makes a quiet stop between a soak and a walk.
Which parish does it belong to?
Ovronnaz is one of the six hamlets of Leytron. The older parish church of Saint Martin stands down in the main village of Leytron, so the Ovronnaz building serves the upland community and its visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the church dedicated to?
Saint Mary, Mother of God (Sainte Marie Mère de Dieu), celebrated on 15 August.
When was the current church built?
Construction lasted from June 1972 to the end of 1973, and the consecration took place on 11 August 1974.
Is it a medieval monument?
No. It dates from the 1970s. The historic parish church is in Leytron, lower down the valley.
How many people does it hold?
The plans provided around 350 seats in the nave.
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