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Origin and history

The chapel of the White Penitents of Marsac-en-Livradois is a building built mainly in the 12th century, with notable additions in the 15th century. It consists of a nave of two vaulted bays in slightly broken cradle and a vaulted apse in cul-de-four. A pentagonal turret, housing a spiral staircase, was attached to the north of the bedside during the 15th century works. This modest but characteristic architectural ensemble illustrates the Romanesque heritage of the region, enriched by late Gothic arrangements.

In 1644, the inhabitants of Marsac obtained permission from Monsignor Joshim d'Estaing, then bishop of Clermont, to found a brotherhood of white penitents under the name of the Annunciation of the Virgin. The chapel, originally dedicated to Saint John, was repaired and adapted to accommodate this brotherhood. It disappeared during the French Revolution, before being reborn to the Restoration and remaining until the beginning of the 20th century (circa 1900). This monument, classified among the Historical Monuments in 1951, thus reflects a turbulent religious and social history, marked by the political hazards of France.

The chapel, owned by the commune, now retains the traces of its dual use: place of worship and community space. Its hybrid architecture, blending Romanesque and Gothic, as well as its role in local life make it a valuable testimony to the religious heritage of Livradois. However, the accuracy of its location remains poor (level 5/10), and its current access (visit, rental) is not documented in available sources.

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