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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The chapel of the Penitents of Tence, located in Place du Chatiague, was rebuilt in 1813 by the mason Sarda on the site of a first chapel of the eighteenth century, destroyed during the Revolution. This building, of classical design (unique nave and semi-circular choir), houses a rich interior decor: ceiling painted by Jean Portal, woodwork carved by Jules Balme (1870), stained glass (1873) and a chair by Napoleon Richard (1882). It served as a starting point for local processes and preserves medieval traces, as a rounded probably from an old defensive tower.

Founded in 1652, the brotherhood of the white penitents of the Blessed Sacrament first settled in the parish church before building its chapel there. Sold as a national property during the Revolution, it was looted and rebuilt in the 19th century. Today, it houses a museum depicting the history of penitents and their religious heritage, with guided tours offered to the public.

Ranked a historic monument in 1999, the chapel protects its interior decoration (chair, stalls, changing rooms) and bears witness to the importance of the brotherhoods in the spiritual and social life of the region. Its sober architecture contrasts with the richness of its subsequent adjustments, reflecting the evolution of devotional practices between the 17th and 19th centuries.

The chapel also illustrates the reappropriation of religious heritage after revolutionary upheavals. Its location on a central square of Tence and its role in liturgical ceremonies (Holy Thursday, Feast of God) make it a strong identity marker for the commune. Local artisans, such as Portal or Balme, have left a lasting artistic imprint.

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