Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Massimo

The current building dates back to 1773; it is a work of Ignazio Birago of Borgaro, also responsible for the restoration works of the castle commissioned by the Duke of Chiablese around 1770.

In 1754 the parish church, consecrated to the Virgin Mary ad Nives, had a different location; it was near the feudal castle, but a defensive ditch, passable only by a wooden bridge, separated the two buildings. The consecration of the Virgin Mary of the Snow Church took place on the 14th of September 1777.

Inside the church, the refined structure of plaster, from the work of Bolina, creates lovely movements of light and shadows, especially around the frames, windows and columns.

The church is in the form of a Latin cross, whose longest arm forms the nave.

The transept contains the new altar, facing towards the congregation and held up by four golden wood angels. The painting behind the main altar represents the Virgin Mary and Child surrounded by angels: one of them is offering a model of Santa Maria Maggiore´s roman basilica to Mary, traditionally known as “Virgin Mary of the Snow” (Madonna della Neve).

The main altar's canopy, decorated with the Municipal and Savoy Family's coat of arms, was built in 1877.

On the right side of the presbytery there is the apse containing the organ. On the left side of the transept we find the altar consecrated to Virgin Mary, the altar consecrated to Agliè´s population and the altar consecrated to the Immaculate Conception.

On the right side of the transept there´s the altar dedicate to St. Massimo, bishop of Riez. His relics are kept in the small urn on the altar. Walking on, you can admire the altar of St. Giovanni Bosco and the altar of St. Luigi Gonzaga.