Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The chapel Saint-Thomas is an isolated religious building, located in the hamlet of Château-Garnier, in the commune of Thorame-Basse (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence). Built in the 12th century, it is halfway between the hamlets of Châteaugarnier and La Bâtie, on the road linking Saint-André-les-Alpes to Thorame-Basse. Its architecture, in bellows, includes a unique nave vaulted with glasses, while the sacristy, arched in cul-de-four, retains a medieval painted decor (reference IM04003029).

The present building was rebuilt in 1905 at the site of a medieval chapel, partially renovated under the Old Regime. The sacristy, an ancient apse classified as a historical monument by decree of 14 March 1991, is the only clearly identified vestige of the medieval period. Owned by the commune, the chapel is covered with hollow tiles and is housed in a large adjacent cemetery.

Its classification as historical monuments in 1991 underscores its heritage value, particularly for its medieval apse and painted decoration. Available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) confirm its role in the local religious landscape, between medieval heritage and modern adaptations. No information is available on any sponsors or historical characters related to its construction or restoration.

The location of the chapel between two hamlets suggests a central place of worship for the surrounding rural communities. Its sober architecture, typical of Provencal religious buildings, reflects medieval construction techniques adapted to local resources (meltons, simple vaults).

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