The Church of St. Peter in Treyvaux is one of the oldest churches in the canton.
The Church of St Pierre de Treyvaux is located one kilometre west of the village, overlooking the cliffs of the Sarine River. Its secluded location has been striking visitors since the 15th century.
The dedication of the Treyvaux church to St Peter enables us to trace the origins of the first Christian community back to the Burgundian era, particularly given that the Bishop of Lausanne held the right of collation.
Churches dedicated to the leader of the apostles were usually the first to be built in a newly Christianised region. Archaeological excavations would confirm this tradition.
In 1173, Landry de Dornach, the Bishop of Lausanne, donated the benefice of the parish of Treyvaux to the Abbey of Hauterive, along with the right of collation (the right to appoint the priest who would serve the church). This donation was confirmed several times.
The Cistercians of Hauterive probably rebuilt the choir of the church. The building's overall volume has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages.
The paintings in the choir appear to date from this period. They were revealed during restoration work around 1990.
A church dedicated to Saint Mary was built in the present-day village of Treyvaux in the mid-13th century. However, St Peter's Church was still considered the mother church until the mid-16th century.
Around 1520, the parish's revenues passed from Hauterive Abbey to the new Chapter of St Nicholas in Fribourg.
The church then underwent major restoration work. During this period, the sandstone windows with chamfered frames were opened.
In 1698, altarpieces were created for the side altars, featuring statues of Saint Andrew the Apostle and Saint Margaret of Antioch on the right, and Our Lady of Compassion (Pieta) and Saint Mary Magdalene on the left.
Around 1759, the high altarpiece was replaced with one depicting Saints Peter, Garin, James and Loup.
Around 1820, a painting of the Virgin and Child was added to the vault, and benches and a gallery were installed.
The old church is open to visitors every first Sunday of the month from April to October, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Outside these hours, group visits can also be arranged by contacting
Jacques Jenny at 079 504 49 35 or jack.jenny@bluewin.ch
or
Philippe Bosson at 079 330 72 87 or ph.bosson@me.com
Eglise Saint-Pierre-de-Treyvaux
Chemin de Vers-Saint-Pierre 72a
1733 Treyvaux
