Saint-Christophe

Introduction

A large municipality at the bottom of the valley, located on the eastern border of the regional capital, with which it has now developed a continuity that is difficult to discern. Given its favourable exposure to the sun, which greatly mitigates its climate, it has become a much sought-after residential centre, an idea that seems to have been shared even in the past: there have been numerous Roman finds, while the castle of Sorreley, equipped with a tower that is thought to date back to the 13th century, is a splendid example of a noble residence, now owned by the Passerin d'Entrèves family.

Description

Another private residence, the Villa de la Frissonnière, had an illustrious owner: Jean-Baptiste De Tillier, secretary of the Conseil des Commis for more than forty years and founder of modern Aosta Valley historiography, who died in 1745.
An important institution stood in the Middle Ages in the territory of Saint-Christophe: the so-called Hospital de la maladière. It was a sort of charitable institution, entrusted with hospitalising and curing lepers, but already in the 14th century it began its decline, to the point that its structures disappeared, surviving only in archive documents. The only 'solid' evidence that has come down to us is the tomb slab of Bishop Grato (Saint Gratus, protector of the diocese of Aosta), which dates back to the 5th century. Originally placed in the early Christian church of San Lorenzo (the now deconsecrated church opposite the church of Sant'Orso in Aosta), the tombstone was transported inside the maladière when the saint's relics were transferred and collected in a special urn. Today, the tombstone of Saint Grato can be seen in the parish church of Saint-Christophe.

Information

Area: 14.74 sq km
 Altitude:619m
Maximum elevation: Becca di Viou (2859m)
 Number of inhabitants: 3.285
Name in dialect: Sèn-Crétoublo
Inhabitants name: saint-christopherins or crétoubleins
 Patron Saint:
Internet site:
Webcam:
Neighbouring towns: Aosta, Pollein, Quart, Roisan, Valpelline
 Villages and hamlets: Angelin, Bagnère, Bret, Chabloz, Champapon, Champ-d'Hône, Château d'Entrèves, Chaussod, Chef-Lieu, Clappey, Cognon, Condemine, Cort, Coutateppaz, La Crétaz, La Croix-Noire, Fontanalle, Gérardin, Gevé, Grand-Chemin, Grande-Charrière, Léméryaz, Loups, Maillod, Méladière, Meysettaz, Nicolin, Olleyes, Pallein, Parléaz, Pin, Prévot, Rouye, Senin, Sorreley, Thuvex, Veynes

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