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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The chapel Saint-Michel-Garicoïtz, located in Lestelle-Betharram in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, was built between 1923 and 1928 by architect Gabriel Andral, shortly after the beatification of Michel Garioïtz. Designed as a private chapel for the priests of the Sacred Heart and as a place of pilgrimage, it adopts a neo-classical style. His main role is to shelter the shawl of Blessed Michel Garioïtz, founder of the congregation, and his statue carved by Ernest Gabard.

The chiseled bronze frame is made by the Parisian goldsmith Brunet, while the zenithal window adorning the rotunda is the work of the Mauméjean brothers. The ironworks, including the closing of the choir and floor, are signed by the ironmaker Szabo. Inaugurated on 14 May 1928, the chapel was joined to the bedside of Notre-Dame-de-Betharram Church, which had been listed as a historic monument since 1989. It is itself listed in the Historical Monuments by order of 4 November 1986.

The chapel illustrates the religious art of the early 20th century, combining artisanal know-how (goldsmithy, stained glass, ironwork) and neo-classical architecture. Its location adjacent to the Notre-Dame Chapel, registered in 1925, reinforces its heritage importance in the religious landscape of the region. Today, it remains the property of an association and retains its dual vocation: a place of memory for the congregation and a place of devotion for pilgrims.

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