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Origin and history

The chapel Saint Hervé, located in Gurin in Morbihan, is an emblematic monument of Breton religious architecture of the 15th century. Classified as a historical monument in 1922, it was built under the impulse of the abbots of Langonnet, with works initiated by Henri de Kergoët (1447-1482), continued by Vincent de Kergoët (1482-1510), and completed by Yves de Bouteville (1518-1536). Its flamboyant style is distinguished by its gates, buttresses, and a square tower surmounted by an arrow adorned with buttocks, while the interior, vaulted in wood, has sandstones carved with fantastic vegetal motifs.

The chapel is dedicated to Saint Hervé, once invoked to protect the herds of the Black Mountains wolves, then horses, reflecting its importance in local rural life. Every year, a great forgiveness is held on the last Sunday in September, including since 1955 the pardon of the sounders, celebrating the Breton musical tradition. The 16th century window, representing Saint Yves, and the granite altars of the 16th century bear witness to its rich artistic and liturgical heritage.

The site, surrounded by a large square, illustrates the model of Breton chapels built between the 14th and 16th century in rural areas. These buildings, often linked to holy healers, served as annual pilgrimage places. The sacristy, added in 1698, bears an inscription mentioning the names of the sponsors: Mir Ian Segain (vicire de Gourin), Mir Iacq Iegou (chaplain), and Mathurin Salou (manufacturer). A monumental 16th century cross, now extinct or not localized, was once complete.

The building, owned by the commune of Gourin, embodies both a religious, artistic and social heritage. Its protected elements include the chapel itself (cadastre B 561), classified since 1922. The feasts of Saint Hervé, another four- or five-day fis in the early 20th century, attracted a large crowd, highlighting its central role in local culture. Today, it remains a symbol of Breton devotion and its preserved architectural heritage.

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