First written entry 1135 (≈ 1135)
Cartular of Joncels Abbey (*Sancta Maria de Aniza*)
1136
Papal confirmation
Papal confirmation 1136 (≈ 1136)
Bull of Innocent III citing the sanctuary
1223
Role of tithes
Role of tithes 1223 (≈ 1223)
Mention as *Prior de Transiliaco and Eniza*
XVIe–XVIIe siècles
Partial reconstruction
Partial reconstruction XVIe–XVIIe siècles (≈ 1750)
Off-nave and Romanesque bell tower
1971
End of the parish
End of the parish 1971 (≈ 1971)
Annexation to the parish of Lunas
28 mai 2001
MH classification
MH classification 28 mai 2001 (≈ 2001)
Chapel, bell tower, hermitage and protected spring
2017
Renovation project
Renovation project 2017 (≈ 2017)
Study by Aurélie Rouquette and Charles Gonzales
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The ensemble formed by the chapel with its bell tower and the building of the hermitage (cad. F 177), in full, as well as the pilgrimage area (cad. F 175, 176) and the source known as "fontaine des yeux" (cad. F 170): inscription by decree of 28 May 2001
Key figures
Innocent III - Pope
Confirms possession of the sanctuary in 1136
Aurélie Rouquette - Architect
Renovation study (2017–2018)
Charles Gonzales - Specialist Historical Monuments
Co-pilot of the 2017 renovation project
Origin and history
The Notre Dame de Nize chapel, located in Lunas, Herault, occupies the site of a pre-Roman shrine linked to a local worship and pilgrimage to the Virgin. The site, mentioned from 1135 under the name Sancta Maria de Aniza in the cartular of Joncels Abbey, housed a medieval priory which became parish church until 1971. The bell tower and nave date from the 12th century, while the rest of the buildings were rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries. The site also includes a hermitage, a pilgrimage area and a source known as "Fountain of the Eyes", known for its healing virtues.
The Romanesque bell tower, the most remarkable element, features geminied berries and a primitive-style capital. A 2017–2018 study revealed that some openings were modified, such as the West Bay, added after 1948. The chapel, covered with tiles and lauzes, is backed by the bell tower. It was listed as a Historic Monument in 2001 and remains an annual pilgrimage site on August 15. A crowdfunding renovation project was launched in 2017, led by architects Aurélie Rouquette and Charles Gonzales.
The Nize site, bordering the eponymous stream, is integrated into the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park. Its history reflects the evolution of local religious practices, from a pre-Christian sanctuary to a parish church, then a Marian devotional place. Historical documents, such as the bubble of Pope Innocent III (1136) or the map of Cassini (1778), attest to its continued importance throughout the centuries.
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