Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Notre-Dame de Crénénan chapel, located in Ploërdut (Morbihan), dominates the Scorff valley at 227 m above sea level. Its exact origin remains unknown, although tradition associates it with the Templars or the order of St John of Jerusalem. The current building, rectangular with a sacristy and a bell tower, preserves traces of the 15th century, such as the south arched door and its sculptures. A work campaign in the 17th century (1642-1653) enriched the chapel of sandstones carved by Ian Le Bourois, representing a fantastic bestiary.

The interior decoration is distinguished by its panels painted in 1716 by Le Corre, artist of Pontivy, illustrating scenes of the life of the Virgin and imaginary landscapes. These works, along with the high altar and its altarpiece, are classified as historical monuments (1948 and 1963). The bell tower, rebuilt in 1843 in a neogothic style, culminates at 32.5 m and houses a statue of the Virgin. A 17th century devotional fountain and four cider cellars, used in pardons, complete the whole.

Classified as a historical monument in 1998 with its fountain, the chapel remains an active place of pilgrimage. The drinking cellars, registered in 2020, bear witness to its social and religious role. The sandstones of 1652, signed FAICT by ME IAN BOUROIS LAN 1652, and the paintings of Le Corre highlight its exceptional artistic heritage. The site, a communal property, thus combines medieval history, baroque and 19th century restorations.

External links