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Origin and history

Saint-Pierre de Mézos Chapel, located in the Landes department, is a former Catholic place of worship founded by the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. From the 11th century, it was built on the moor of Labat, a place named after the abbot's moor. Positioned on a route frequented by the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela, it served as a stop between Pontenx-les-Forges and Saint Vincent de Paul. A monk lived there to maintain the site and welcome travelers.

Until the end of the 19th century, the chapel was a gathering place on the eve of the pilgrimage of Pentecost Monday, where the faithful spent the night there. The bishopric forbids these night meetings because of excesses deemed to be contrary to morality. A local belief also prompted mothers to bring their children there late to walk, placing them on St Peter's altar. In 1979, the structure collapsed under the weight of snow, leaving today a pile of ruins.

Private property, remains have not been restored, accelerating their degradation. The chapel remains a discreet testimony of the religious and hospitable past of the Landes, linked to the history of the Compostellan pilgrimages and to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.

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