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Origin and history

The chapel Saint-Aurelien is a religious building built in the 15th century in Limoges to house the relics of Saint Aurélien, the second bishop of the city. Originally located in the church of Saint-Cessator, destroyed during the wars of Religion, these relics were transferred in 1475 to this chapel, built on Rue Tore. The chapel then became a central place of worship for the corporation of the butchers of Limoges, whose brotherhood still owns it today.

In the 17th century, the chapel was enlarged with the addition of a baroque choir and a reconstruction of the facade, marked by the dates 1652 and 1775. The latter was modified with a portal surmounted by a single bay illuminating the nave, and a bulb bell tower covered with chestnut shingles. During the French Revolution, the chapel was sold as a national good, but purchased by two members of the brotherhood, allowing its preservation.

The chapel remains an active place of worship, especially for the inhabitants of the Boucherie district and the members of the brotherhood. It hosts solemn Masses, such as that of May 10 in honour of Saint Aurélien, and participates in limo ostensions every seven years. Ranked a historic monument in 1943, it was the subject of a restoration project initiated in 2022, with a first phase completed in July 2025.

Inside the chapel, although modest (9.40 m by 3.70 m), houses a rich liturgical furniture, including a baroque altar that hides the shawl of Saint Aurélien, as well as 15th and 17th century statues. A monumental 15th century cross from the former convent of the Grand Carmelites is installed in front of the façade. The interior decoration reflects the old prosperity of the butchers' corporation, whose brotherhood today perpetuates its legacy.

Located in the heart of the Boucherie district, the chapel forms a coherent architectural ensemble with the surrounding square, where a bronze pietà replaces an ancient terracotta statue destroyed. Its north-east south-west axis and its trapezoidal nave, vaulted Gothic dogives, make it a remarkable example of limousine religious architecture, mixing medieval and Baroque influences.

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