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Origin and history

The chapel Saint-Santin de Bellême, also known as the chapel Notre-Dame-du-Vieux-Château, is a religious building located on the territory of the municipality of Bellême, in the department of Orne, Normandy. It is considered the oldest remaining religious building in the Orne. Founded around 960 by Yves de Creil, Sire de Bellême, it was originally a basilica dedicated to Notre-Dame. This act of foundation is the first document attesting to the existence of the city of Bellême.

In 1026, the canons left the chapel for the collegiate Saint-Léonard, built in the new castle of Bellême. From then on, the chapel was served by Chapellers of Saint-Sauveur de Bellême until the Revolution. The building underwent partial alterations in the 12th century, followed by major changes in the 15th century, including the reconstruction of the eastern part of the nave and the choir. The crypt and its murals also date from this period.

Sold as a national property in 1793, the chapel was transformed into a barn before being redeemed by Dr Serais, who restored it to worship and buried there in 1828. In 1856, it was acquired by the Marquis de Chennevières, who restored the adjacent house. The crypt, the oldest element, was listed as historical monuments in 1971. It preserves traces of 15th century murals and a cradle vault reinforced with a double arch.

The choir, raised in relation to the nave, rests on this primitive Romanesque crypt. Two Romanesque windows open above the altar dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. The building thus illustrates centuries of religious and architectural history, from its medieval foundation to its modern restorations.

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