Cogne St. Bear Parish Church

Discover Saint Bear Parish: A Historic Gem in the Aosta Valley Visit the parish dedicated to Saint Bear, a historic place of worship that reflects centuries of devotion and religious art in the Aosta Valley.
Founded at a time when the region was still largely inhospitable, this church not only serves as a place of prayer but also as the custodian of a rich cultural and spiritual legacy linked to the figure of Saint Bear, a priest from Valle d’Aosta who lived between the 7th and 8th centuries.
History and Tradition of the Parish of St. Bear The Spiritual and Architectural Origins According to popular tradition, St. Bear is said to have reclaimed the area by making it hospitable, but historians suggest that a significant role was played by the canons of the Aostan collegiate church of St. Bear.
Documented as early as 1184, the parish was under the leadership of these religious until 1820, when it came under the direct jurisdiction of the bishop.
Architectural Evolution In 1642, the building took on the appearance it still retains today, thanks to major extension work.
The present bell tower was built in 1840, replacing the original one that was torn down due to height and stability problems.
These architectural changes reflect not only the practical needs of the community but also the evolution of taste and building techniques over the centuries.
Interior and Sacred Art A Treasury of Religious Art The interior of the church, with its single nave, was redecorated in 1960 by painter Pirlato, who enriched the spaces with new artwork while maintaining the sacred and traditional atmosphere of the place.
The 18th-century altars, made of carved and gilded wood with twisted columns, are particularly valuable and represent a significant testimony to Baroque religious art in the region.