Reports Points of interest I have been there Magazine Webcam

Parish Church of Nus

Profile image

Edited by:

Last Visit: 14/12/2024
luoghi di culto
chiese
XII sec
Italy
Aosta Valley
Nus
media Valle d’Aosta

Access

  • By car:
    Nus is easily accessible via the A5 Turin-Aosta motorway. Exit at the Nus tollgate and follow the signs to the village centre. The church is located a few minutes from the centre and public parking is available nearby.
    • By train:
    The Nus railway station is located on the Aosta-Turin line. From the station, the church can be reached with a short walk of about 10 minutes through the centre of the village.Buses:
    The municipality of Nus is served by regional buses that connect Aosta and other locations in the Aosta Valley. Main stops are located in the centre of the village, from which the church can easily be reached on foot.Accessibility on foot:
    The Church of Sant'Ilario is located in a central area and well connected by pedestrian streets. From the main square of Nus, the route is short and easy.

Thanks to its central location and easy accessibility, the church is a convenient and unmissable stop for those visiting Nus and its surroundings.

Introduction

The parish church of Sant'Ilario, located in the heart of the municipality of Nus in Valle d'Aosta, is a place that intertwines faith, history and art, recounting centuries of devotion and tradition. The first attestation of its existence dates back to 26 February 1153, a detail that highlights the deep religious roots of this community. Over the centuries, the church has undergone transformations and reconstructions, each adding a new chapter to its long history.

Description

During archaeological excavations in 1990, the remains of a 12th century Romanesque church with a three-nave floor plan and semi-cylindrical apses emerged under the choir. The ancient Romanesque walls, still visible in the crypt, are a valuable link to the past and testify to the importance of this place over the centuries. Subsequent interventions in the 15th century introduced new architectural elements, while the current building is the result of reconstruction between 1886 and 1887, consecrated on 12 April 1888.
The church is distinguished by its Latin cross plan and single nave, with ribbed vaults that lend lightness and elegance to the whole. An imposing dome rises in the centre of the presbytery, lending solemnity to the building. The interiors are richly decorated: the Artari painters, already known for their contribution to other churches in Valle d'Aosta, have enriched the walls with very delicate frescoes. Among the sacred furnishings, the high altar and St. Joseph's altar stand out, redone by the sculptor Guala, whose gilded wooden works add further value to the interior spaces. In the 20th century, the painter Bartoli further embellished the chancel, the niche of the baptismal font and the walls of the presbytery, creating a harmonious synthesis of ancient and modern art.
Among the treasures kept in the church, one of the most significant is the 14th-century wooden crucifix, located to the left of the chancel. This sculpture, full of pathos and simplicity, represents one of the area's masterpieces of sacred art. Other elements of great interest are the Stations of the Cross and a canvas depicting the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and other saints, works that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and testify to the cultural richness of the church.
The bell tower, a dominant element of the landscape, is in the tradition of 15th-century bell towers, with similar examples visible in other towns in Valle d'Aosta such as Fénis and Saint-Germain. Its structure, sober and sturdy, is an emblem of continuity and resistance through the centuries.

Visiting the church of Sant'Ilario in Nus means discovering a place that combines architectural beauty and spirituality, while offering a journey through the history of the Aosta Valley territory. Every element, from the ancient Romanesque walls to the more recent decorative details, tells a story that invites reflection and immersion in the cultural heritage of this corner of the Alps.

  • What to see:
    • The Romanesque crypt: Dating back to the 12th century, it preserves the ancient Romanesque masonry and offers a glimpse into the church's medieval past.
    • The 14th-century wooden crucifix: A valuable work of sacred art, located to the left of the choir.
    • Altars and frescoes: The high altars and St. Joseph's altar, created by the sculptor Guala, and the 19th-century frescoes by the painters Artari and Bartoli, decorating the choir and chancel.
    • Tela della Santissima Trinità: A striking work depicting the Trinity together with the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and other saints, dating from between the 18th and 19th centuries.
      • Fourteenth-century bell tower: A typical example of the bell towers of the Aosta Valley, with a sober and charming structure.

Information

Opening hours: The church of Sant'Ilario is generally open during liturgical celebrations and at specific times for visits. Times may vary depending on the season or particular events, so it is advisable to contact the parish office in Nus or consult the local notice boards for updates.
Related events: The parish of Sant'Ilario regularly hosts liturgical celebrations, concerts of sacred music and events related to local traditions. One of the main festivities is the patronal feast of Saint Hilary, celebrated on 13 January, with religious services and community gatherings. Thematic guided tours and cultural encounters may also take place throughout the year.

To ensure a peaceful and well-organised visit, it is always useful to plan your trip by checking in advance for information on timetables and events with the official channels of the parish or the municipality of Nus.

Collections