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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Blue Chapel of Felletin, built in the 15th century on the initiative of the consuls of the Hôtel-Dieu de Felletin, is a rectangular building in rubbish covered with coating. It is distinguished by its western elevation pierced by a central door surmounted by a niche and two side bays in the middle of the hangar, as well as by its foothills strengthening the dropural walls. Inside, two vaulted spans on a dogive cross, adorned with lamp-ends and armored vault keys, form a flat-side choir. The slate roof, topped by an openwork polygonal bell, completes its characteristic architecture.

This chapel was initially attached to the second Hôtel-Dieu in Felletin, on which it depended. In 1617 the brotherhood of the Blue Penitents settled, and in 1674 Léonard Lamoureux, rector of the brotherhood, became its owner on behalf of the community. When he died in 1696, he bequeathed it by will to Messrs Bombrut and Choupineaux. During the Revolution it was sold as a national property to Me Tissier du Breuil, and an inventory of its ornaments was drawn up on the 12 germinal year II. Reshuffles, especially on the western elevation, probably took place in the 19th century.

The chapel once housed a statue of the Virgin with the Child, visible in a niche on the west façade on an old postcard (ref. IM23001514). Its architecture, blending Gothic elements (broken arched bays, vaults on dogive cross) and sober decorations, reflects its use both hospitable and confraternity. Classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 23 August 1935, it bears witness to the religious and social history of Felletin, between medieval charity and modern devotion.

Today, located at 1 Coudert Street and Rue de Beaumont, its state of location is considered satisfactory a priori (note 7/10). Although closed to the public visit, its architectural heritage and its link with the Blue Penitents make it an emblematic monument of the Limousin (now New Aquitaine).

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