Initial Foundation 860 (≈ 860)
Founded by Saint Eldrade according to tradition.
1670
Major reconstruction
Major reconstruction 1670 (≈ 1670)
Chapel entirely rebuilt that year.
1753-1758
Construction of the bell tower
Construction of the bell tower 1753-1758 (≈ 1756)
Dates engraved on imposte and stone.
1870
A devastating fire
A devastating fire 1870 (≈ 1870)
Damages the chapel before restoration.
1872
Post-fire restoration
Post-fire restoration 1872 (≈ 1872)
Date engraved on the south vantals.
1987
Registration Historic Monument
Registration Historic Monument 1987 (≈ 1987)
Official protection by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Saint Eldrade - Legendary Founder
Associated with the foundation in 860.
Origin and history
The Saint-Pierre de Monêtier-les-Bains Chapel, listed as a Historic Monument, is an emblematic example of the Briançonnais penitent chapels. Founded in 860 by Saint Eldrade, it was entirely rebuilt in 1670. Its architecture includes a nave covered with corrugated sheet metal (replacing the original slate), two spiral staircases serving a stand, and a bell tower accessible by ladders. The latter, crowned with a roof in a slate pavilion, was built or rebuilt between 1753 and 1758, as evidenced by the dates engraved on its structural elements.
A fire in 1870 severely damaged the chapel, requiring major alterations. The south gate, dated 1872, recalls this period of restoration. The bell tower, a remarkable element, bears traces of its history with a wrought iron imposte marked 1753 and a stone engraved 1758 on its north face. The chapel, a communal property since its inscription in 1987, illustrates the architectural and religious evolution of the Southern Alps, mixing medieval heritage and modern transformations.
The current coverage of the nave, in corrugated sheet metal, contrasts with original materials such as slate, reflecting the successive adaptations of the building. The courtyards of the rostrum, accessible from the choir by rotating stairs, follow a traditional pattern of penitent chapels in the region. These developments, combined with the simplicity of access (scales for the bell tower), highlight the spiritual and community function of the building throughout the centuries.
