Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Sainte-Avoye chapel, located in the village of Sainte-Avoye in Pluneret (Morbihan), was built in the 16th century by the Lestrelin family, owners of the nearby castle of Kerisper. It served as a seigneurial chapel, as evidenced by the family coat of arms (four ducks) engraved on the seigneurial armchair, partially erased during the Revolution. Its bell tower, originally used as a watch to control traffic on the river Bono, was damaged by lightning in 1727, then restored with a frame arrow.

The interior of the chapel is distinguished by its ground in beaten earth mixed with lime, a rarity, and its vault in the shape of a ship's hull overturned. The carved sandstones, dating from 1557, bear an inscription referring to the laying of the first stone in 1554 and the names of the craftsmen: Yves Le Thominec (curé), Pierre Blanchart (mason) and Henri Le Meilleur (carpenter). The Renaissance Jube in polychrome oak, classified in 1907, represents the Twelve Apostles and the seven theologal virtues.

The chapel underwent several restorations, including damage caused by storms (1746 for stained glass windows, 1987 for the bell tower) and a complete renovation between 2004 and 2006. It also houses a 16th century statue of Saint Avoy, classified in 1944. The building, owned by the commune, has been classified as a historic monument since 28 May 1932.

Architecturally, the chapel mixes Renaissance and local influences, with a bedside adorned with a full curved glass roof, a south door to pilasters, and a polygonal turret giving access to the Jube. The sculpted entrances and engulfings add to its remarkable character. Its bell tower, now surmounted by a campanile, preserves the traces of its staircase and its original foothills.

The chapel illustrates the role of the Breton noble families in the construction of religious buildings in the 16th century, combining spiritual functions (the cult of Saint Avoy) and practices (river monitoring). Its jube, exceptional by its conservation and iconography, makes it a major testimony of Renaissance religious art in Brittany.

External links