The foundation of Saint-Lazarus Church in Gorbio in the Alpes-Maritimes department probably dates back to the Middle Ages. Its current form, however, does not seem to predate the 17th century. The church's origins could be linked to the military order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus related to the House of Savoy. The order of Saint-Lazarus was originally dedicated to the care of lepers but lost its role thanks to medical progress. It was, therefore, partially reunited to the order of Saint-Maurice by the pope in 1603 under the patronage of the Dukes of Savoy, then rulers of the region of Gorbio.