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Origin and history

The Notre Dame Chapel, also known as the Chapel of the Virgin, is a religious building located in Dambach-la-Ville, in the Lower Rhine (Great East). Built in the 2nd quarter of the 15th century, it was first mentioned in 1454, while the date of 1479 engraved on the building probably corresponds to its definitive construction. Its campanile, marked in 1625, bears witness to a later phase of work. This monument, inscribed in the Historical Monuments since 1930, combines Gothic elements such as a walled ceiling and a terracotta pavement decorated with relief motifs.

Until 1693, the chapel was served by a chaplain, then by a hermit until the end of the 18th century. Sold as a national property in 1796, it has belonged to the same family since 1802. During restorations in 1860, murals were discovered and then covered. The site also preserves a house lined with wood and bricks, typical of local architecture. Its history reflects the religious and political upheavals of Alsace, between medieval worship, French Revolution and heritage preservation.

Architecturally, the chapel is distinguished by its glazed Gothic ceiling and original terracotta floor, rare elements for this period. The campanile, rebuilt or added in 1625, completes an ensemble of mixed religious and residential functions (contiguous house). Its early inscription (1930) underlines its importance in the Alsatian heritage, between medieval heritage and later adaptations.

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