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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The chapel Saint-Sulpice, located in Villerest in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is a religious building dating back to the 12th century, with major changes in the 17th and 18th centuries. Originally an independent parish church, it lost this status at the beginning of the 19th century when its parish was merged with that of Villerest. Its structure, composed of stones and mortar, is covered with hollow tiles, with the exception of the bell tower, covered with flat tiles. A false camera decoration, with red ochre joints, still remains in the nave and southern chapel, testifying to its complex architectural history.

Archaeological surveys conducted in 1993 and 2009 in the choir revealed high-quality murals, including a representation of Saint Sulpice, patron saint of the chapel. These discoveries highlight the artistic and historical importance of the site. The chapel, fully protected by an order of April 10, 2014, also includes the parcel BX 58 on which it is located. Owned by the municipality, it illustrates the evolution of religious and architectural practices in the region, from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

The location of the chapel, at 1252 chemin de la Chapelle à Villerest, is documented in the Mérimée base under the code Insee 42332, attached to the Loire department. Although its state of conservation and accessibility are not specified, its listing as a Historic Monument makes it a protected heritage. Available sources, including Monumentum, confirm its past role as a central place of worship for the local community, before its merger with the neighbouring parish in the 19th century.

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