Heritage: Allein

This monument-home is located in Ayez, a short distance from the chief town.Dating back to the XV century, it is entirely made of stone and built almost without the use of mortar.The building has some interesting stone-worked windows, with the characteristic upside-down keel motif.

It seems the original church, located in the Villa district, dates back to 1307; problems caused by land sliding meant numerous reconstructions were necessary, firstly in 1433 and again in 1525, however at the start of the last century the church was once again in danger. It was decided to build a new one at a different location, which was consecrated two years later and is the current church.

The church contains plenty of sacred objects that probably come from the previous church, including a triumphant arch crucifix from the XIV century, a statue of St. Anthony the Abbot and a silver reliquary from the XV century.

The exhibition, situated in a fortified house dating back to the 16th century, proposes a journey through the ancient Carnival who animates the villages of the Gran San Bernardo valley.

Its realisation has been possible thanks to:
• photographs of the exhibition “Quand l’ours se réveille… - Le Carnaval en Vallée d’Aoste de 1900 à 1970”, property of BREL;
• material coming from the AVAS archives
• works realized inside the “Project Carnaval”, by the schools belonging to the Grand Combin scholastic institution
• european project “Grand-Saint-Bernard 360°”
• material borrowed or donated by private citizens