Basilique de la Visitation (Visitation Basilica), Annecy

Basilique de la Visitation (Visitation Basilica), Annecy (must see)

The Basilica of the Visitation dominates the sky from its high rocky seat on the cret du Maure, a peak of the Semnoz massif of south-eastern France. It is an aspiring declaration in stone, visible for miles around the city of Annecy.

Not a medieval edifice, the basilica was started in 1909 and completed in 1930. It was based on the plans of architect Alfred-Henri Recoura. It is connected to the mother house monastery of the Order of the Visitation. The Visitandines order was founded in 1610 by Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jeanne de Chantal.

The remains of the two saints are in the side naves of the basilica in gilded bronze sarcophagi. The basilica style is typical late 19th century. The bell tower spire reaches a height of 275 feet, topped by a 28 foot cross. The nave is built over a crypt designed by architect Henri Ade.

The vault of the nave is in a semicircular arch. Stained glass windows depict events in the lives of the two celebrated saints. This bell tower actually has bells. It holds a carillon of 38 bells. That's eight tons of bells. One bell, by the name of Marie Francoise, weighs four tons.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Annecy. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Basilique de la Visitation (Visitation Basilica) on Map

Sight Name: Basilique de la Visitation (Visitation Basilica)
Sight Location: Annecy, France (See walking tours in Annecy)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Annecy, France

Create Your Own Walk in Annecy

Create Your Own Walk in Annecy

Creating your own self-guided walk in Annecy is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Annecy Introduction Walking Tour

Annecy Introduction Walking Tour

A Roman column in the Place des Romains in Annecy commemorates the founding of the Roman settlement of Boutae in 50 BC. When the Roman empire collapsed, Boutae was deserted. A new settlement formed in the 8th century called "Anniciaca". The name "Annecy" is derived from the name of the top man of the city, "Aniciacus".

In the middle ages Annecy and Savoy belonged...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Annecy's Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Annecy's Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Annecy is a lovely historic town with narrow streets and numerous notable landmarks – decorated houses, old churches, and beautiful gardens, – each bearing witness to its cultural and religious heritage. The Medieval feel reflected in Annecy’s architecture attracts tourists year after year.

The Annecy Cathedral, originally built as a convent in the 16th century, has undergone various...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles