Notre-Dame-des-Laves Church

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Origin and history

The Church of Notre-Dame-des-Laves is a Catholic church located in Piton Sainte-Rose, on the island of La Réunion, a French overseas department and region. This modest building, painted in pink, is distinguished by its exceptional geological history: during the eruption of the Piton de la Fournaise in March 1977, a lava flow entered the nave for only 3 meters, encircling the church without destroying it. This event, which occurred outside the Fouqué Enclosure (the volcano caldera), marked the last major eruption in this inhabited area, transforming the site into a symbol of resistance and divine protection for the premises.

The proximity of the volcano also influenced the location. A statue named Virgin in the parasol, once installed in the Great Burn, was moved near the church in the 2000s to escape the advance of lava flows. This statue, combined with the protection against eruptions, reinforces the sacred and tourist character of the site. Today, the church and its environment form one of the main attractions of the Côte-au-Vent region, mixing religious heritage, volcanic history and natural curiosity.

The stained glass windows of the church, made by Réunion stained glass artist Guy Lefèvre, illustrate the theme of volcanic flow, adding an artistic dimension to this place full of emotions. Their presence reminds visitors of the 1977 event and the unique interaction between nature and architecture. The site, both a place of worship and a place of memory, embodies Réunion's resilience to the land forces of their island.

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