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Origin and history

The former church called Chapelle Notre-Dame du Bois, located in Sauxillanges in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, has its origins in the 11th century, as part of a monastic foundation. In 927, the Count of Auvergne established a Benedictine community of twelve monks on this site, assigning land to them and two churches, one dedicated to Saint Peter. This first religious group marked the beginning of a lasting monastic occupation, integrated into the spiritual and seigneurial landscape of the region.

Towards the end of the Gothic period, between the 15th and 16th centuries, a third church was erected northeast of St Peter's Church. This new building probably became the Prioral Church until the French Revolution. After the dissolution of the religious orders, the chapel was sold as a national property in 1792, under the name "Chapelle Notre-Dame du Bois". Today, only remains of the old St. Peter's church remain, including its east and west side facades, as well as the north-facing front.

Classified as a historical monument by decree of 22 October 1971, this chapel illustrates the architectural and religious evolution of the medieval and modern Auvergne. Its history reflects the political and cultural transformations, from the Benedictine foundation to revolutionary secularization. The protected elements include the entire old church, referred to as the PA 350 cadastre.

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