La thuile The Church of St. Nicholas

The parish of La Thuile has a documented history since the 12th century, but no trace remains of its oldest church.
The present building was rebuilt in the 15th century and later in the 18th because of devastation caused by French troops.

This Latin-cross church with semicircular apses was embellished internally by painter Ettore Mazzini in 1945-46, following a vow made by the community during World War II to obtain divine protection.

The bell tower, probably 14th-15th century, has a square plastered stone tower with hanging arches on the upper floors, while the spire dates from the 18th century.

Inside, a fine 18th-century painting depicting the martyrdom of St. Sebastian stands out, as does an exceptional ex-voto painting from 1704, celebrating the salvation of the village of Courmayeur from French invasionIn the chapel to the left of the chancel, an inscription commemorates the stay in Courmayeur in 1930 of Prince Umberto of Savoy and Princess Maria José, on their honeymoon.

The bell tower, of uncertain age but dating from the 11th or 12th century, is a unique example in the Aosta Valley.
The spire, reworked later, resembles a tiara, perhaps in homage to the popes of Avignon.
With seven bells from different periods, the bell tower is a distinctive feature of the church.