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Origin and history

The Saint-Mériadec-de-Stival Church, also known as the Saint-Mériadec Chapel, is a Catholic building located in the village of Stival, 3.5 km northwest of Pontivy (Morbihan). Its nave dates from the 15th century, while its transept and flat bedside, ogival style, were built in the 16th century. The building, in the shape of a Latin cross, is 22 m long and has a massive peg tower. Inside, a glass vault and stained glass windows classified in 1903, including a 1552 glass window illustrating the Passion, bear witness to its rich artistic heritage.

The chapel became a parish church in 1931 after the demolition of the old Saint Peter's church, threatened with ruin. It houses 16th-century frescoes about the life of Saint Mériadec, bishop of Vannes in the 7th century, mixing anachronisms like the presence of the Viscount of Rohan, contemporary of construction. A medieval bell, the Bonnet de Saint-Mériadec (X-XII centuries), was venerated for its healing virtues among the deaf.

Ranked a two-stage historical monument (inscription in 1933 for the building, classification in 1985 for wall paintings), the church is owned by the municipality of Pontivy. Its history reflects local administrative upheavals: Stival, a parish attested as early as 1314, was briefly independent commune (1790-1805) before joining Pontivy under Napoleon I. The writer Henri Vincenot evoked his mysterious atmosphere in his travel accounts.

The stained glass and frescoes illustrate both medieval piety and artistic techniques of the Breton Renaissance. The roof of the bedside, dedicated to the tree of Jesse, and the scenes of the life of Saint Meriadec – where the saint stands alongside 16th century figures – highlight the religious and historical dimension of the site. These elements, combined with granite architecture and stained glass networks, make the church a major witness to Breton religious heritage.

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