Construction of the chapel XVIIIe siècle (≈ 1850)
Period of digging and development.
7 novembre 1966
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 7 novembre 1966 (≈ 1966)
Official protection of the façade and interior.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Troglodyte chapel of the Echeneau (facade and interior) (Box BM 64): inscription by decree of 7 November 1966
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources do not mention any historical actors.
Origin and history
The Troglodyte Chapel of the Echeneau is a religious monument dug into the rock, located in Vouvray, Indre-et-Loire. Dating from the 18th century, it is distinguished by its rectangular room carved in the rock, accessible by a monumental entrance adorned with a portico in relief. Inside, a richly carved altarpiece contrasts with the simplicity of stone walls, reflecting the religious crafts of the time.
The building was listed as historic monuments on November 7, 1966, recognizing its heritage value. The wooden door, made up of five panels, and decorative elements such as flat pilasters and acanthe leaf volutes underline its artistic character. The chapel illustrates the adaptation of religious practices to local geological constraints, typical of troglodytic regions.
Its exact location, 11 Allée de l'Écheneau, and its registration in the general inventory (reference Cadastre BM 64) confirm its anchoring in the tourism heritage. Although the sources do not mention any specific sponsors or events related to its construction, its architecture and decor make it a rare testimony of the 18th century rock chapels in the Centre-Val de Loire.
