Madone des Grâces chapel

The chapel is located on a small step in a steep slope on the right bank of the Lavina river, tributary of the Roya river. Surrounded by forest, it is overlooked by agricultural land.


Typology Building

Period XVII

Accessibility No

Visitable Yes

In July 1631, the Roya Valley was affected by an epidemic of plague which quickly made many victims. Following a vow, a group of Breillois went on pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Vicoforte (Mondovi, Piedmont) in order to implore the Blessed Mother of Christ. Once arrived at the Sanctuary, the pilgrims undertook to build a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Graces (Notre Dame des Grâces), and to organize annual processions there if the epidemic ceased.

The epidemic quickly receding on their return, the Breillois founded the brotherhood N-D Graces to collect the necessary funds. They chose to build the chapel in Morgella district, along the road to Nice, where the epidemic started.

A semicircular vault covers its nave.

The apse has the particularity of a geometry change between its base and its upper part, both inside and outside.

The painted decorations are locally very damaged, some to them are difficult to identify. Baroque inspired, their appearance is rustic.

The small pinnacle surmounted by a bulb with polychrome tiles is laterally implanted.

The chapel has a pretty wrought iron gate whose origin and date are not identified, presumably from the late nineteenth century.

The chapel is part of the Counter-Reformation architecture period.

Conditions of visit

The chapel (500 m altitude) is located along the old Savoyard salt road, about 2 km as the crow flies from the village and Col de Brouis, in Morgella district. It can be reached on foot or by car via a narrow road. From the village, cross the Roya river by the bridge nearby the church, pass under the railway, turn left. Continue uphill along Lavina valley to the chapel. Parking possible in the immediate vicinity.

Authorized and easy access, parking nearby
Occasional public opening (events, parties). Interior visible through the iron gate.

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Additional information

Bibliography

  • Botton Charles, Histoire de Breil et des Breillois, Les Editions du Cabri, Breil-sur-Roya, 1996.

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