Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The chapel of Lochrist, located in the eponymous village of Ploërdut (Morbihan), is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Its history dates back to the Romanesque era, as evidenced by the nave and its lower side, the only remains of the original building. Subsequent modifications, including the construction of the choir in the 16th or 17th century, as well as the elevation of the west facade and the bell tower in 1676 (engraved date), illustrate its architectural evolution over centuries. The building thus combines Romanesque elements — such as the small windows on the north side — and Gothic ones, with broken arches or in the middle of the hanger on the sides.

The chapel is distinguished by its structure of the late 16th century, adorned with engulants (heads of crocodiles) and carved sandstones depicting animals, characters and decorative motifs like godrons. The choir, illuminated by a third-point window in the shape of a flower of lilies, houses a 17th-century altarpiece decorated with eight statues, classified as a Historic Monument in 1984. These artistic elements underline the religious and cultural importance of the site, reflecting the local know-how of medieval and modern times.

Classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 8 May 1933, the chapel of Lochrist embodies the Breton heritage, mixing Romanesque heritage, Gothic and Baroque additions. Its calvary, its fountain (1734) and its bell tower (dated 1627 according to certain sources, or 1676 for the facade) complete an architectural ensemble marked by construction campaigns straddling from the 15th to the 18th century. The property of the municipality now ensures its preservation, while testifying to the local devotion throughout the centuries.

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