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Origin and history

The chapel Saint-Éloi de Guiscriff, located in Morbihan, is a 15th century religious building, built around 1501 according to an engraved inscription ("MACE ME FIT LAN MIL VC I"). It is erected on the land of the abbey of Sainte-Croix de Quimperlé, which had received the donation, including the villages of Saint-Éloi and Sautalarin. These lands remained under his control until the Revolution. The chapel is mentioned for the first time in 1491 under the name The chapel Mr. Sainct Eloy at the villa of Talanhoat. A 1414 stone, re-used on the bedside gable, suggests an earlier origin or pre-existing element.

The chapel, from plan to irregular Latin cross, bears the arms of Brittany stamped with a ducal crown, highlighting its regional anchor. Inside, a 17th century polychrome statue depicts St.Eloi making a horse, reflecting the local worship linked to the protection of equidae. The horse-shaped ex-votos, offered during annual pardons, bear witness to this particular devotion. The site also includes a 17th century fountain, adding to its sacred character.

Ranked a historic monument since October 7, 1925, the chapel illustrates the Breton religious architecture of the late Middle Ages. His history is linked to Saint Alar (or Hilaire), the first bishop of Quimper, whose name is Breton sant Alar is associated with the neighbouring village of Sautalarin. The annual pardon, in which the owners of horses venerated Saint Eloi, strengthened his central role in Guiscriff's community and agricultural life.

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