Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The chapel of Saint Urlo, located in Lanvenegen in Morbihan, is built between 1513 and 1518 in honor of Saint Urlo (or Gurloës), the first abbot of the Abbey of Saint Croix in Quimperlé. Dedicated to this saint still venerated today to cure headaches, kidneys and gout (called in Breton droug Saint Urlou), it becomes a place of major pilgrimage, welcoming each year the forgiveness of Saint Urlo on the last Sunday of July. The building, from plan to Latin cross with an openwork bell tower with octagonal arrow, was restored several times: in 1851-1853 (facade and bell tower), in 1929-1930 (after the collapse of the transept), and in 1971. Ranked a Historical Monument in 1932, the chapel and its adjacent fountain — a granite edicle with triangular pediment — bear witness to Breton religious architecture.

The chapel is linked to a significant episode of the Révolte des Bonnets rouges (1675). During the July pardon, priest Alain Maillard stirred the anger of the faithful by brandishing a document proving the king's imposition of the gabelle in Brittany. The crowd is attacking a sergeant, Cosvart, who is present at the office, before Alain Maillard is condemned to the galleys. This monument, owned by the commune, also preserves remarkable elements such as a 1603 sundial, a 16th century structure decorated with carved sandstones, and an 18th century high altar. The Baron du Fauët, preeminent lord, once exercised his influence.

The interior houses three altars, two side altars, and a wooden stand dated 1712, accessible by a staircase. The sandstones, adorned with rinsels and pampres, as well as the cravings and busts of the blocks, illustrate the craft of the era. The fountain, surrounded by a granite enclosure, completes this votive ensemble, always associated with popular devotional practices. Its classification includes both the chapel and the fountain, highlighting their inseparable heritage value.

External links