Perched atop 85 metres (280 ft) high pointed rocky peak of a volcanic plug in the French commune of Aiguilhe (meaning needle) near Le Puy-en-Velay is one of the architectural gems of France - a small chapel - The Chapel of Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe. The top of the peak is about 34 metres by 13 metres only. The volcanic plug is estimated to be more than a million years old.
Built in 962, the chapel is reached by steep winding stairs having 268 steps carved into the rock. There is barely any free space at the top and its construction is a remarkable piece of workmanship. It was built to celebrate the return of Bishop of Le Puy from a pilgrimage of St. James. A Roman temple dedicated to Mercury reportedly existed at the rocky peak prior to construction of the chapel.
Chapel's portal is adorned with figures of Christ, Virgin Mary, Archangel St. Michael, St. John and St. Peter carved in stone and the interior is decorated with many frescoes.
Image from Panoramio is by jlgomezlinares
Image from Flickr is by colis
Image from Flickr is by Kalense Kid
Image from Panoramio is by Naru Kenji
Image from Panoramio is by Wilys (cz)
Image from Panoramio is byJMZ2007
Image from Panoramio is by jmdescoux
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Main source of info: French Wikipedia (English Translation)
More info and details of interiors: rochersaintmichel.fr (English Translation) and sacred-destinations (good photo gallery)
Just wondering how the worshipers used to get to the Chapel. Is it real?
ReplyDeleteJust wondering how worshipers used to get to the
ReplyDeletechapel. Is it real?