The chapels of the Annunciation and the Assumption in La Brigue were selected to represent the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region among the 18 emblematic sites from metropolitan and overseas regions unveiled on Monday, April 5.
This is the fourth edition of the Heritage Mission for the preservation of endangered heritage, entrusted by the President of the Republic to Stéphane Bern, and supported by the Heritage Foundation.
The Chapel of the Annunciation is located south of the parish church. It features an ellipsoidal plan with wall decorations and faux marbles. Dedicated to the mystery of the Incarnation, these decorations are illustrated by a cycle of the life of Christ. Several elements recall the cult of Saint Charles Borromeo, whose confraternity possesses a relic.
The Chapel of the Assumption is situated near the Church of Saint Martin, to the north, and has a Renaissance-style façade and an Italian-style bell tower. Inside, the Baroque-style décor, like the cycle of the life of the Virgin Mary, was enriched and restored in the 19th century.
The chapels are in a critical state of conservation due to decades of neglect, worsened by the storm: the lauze roofs are no longer watertight and even have holes that allow significant amounts of water to seep and trickle through the vaults and walls that support the sumptuous decorations.
This project will receive financial support from the 2021 edition of the Heritage Lottery by FDJ. It can also benefit from donations and sponsorships.
“Six months after storm ALEX, and while the reconstruction of our valleys requires significant resources from communities and the State, this particular effort for these two chapels is excellent news!
Naturally, the Region will commit financially to the restoration work, in line with its actions for the rescue of religious buildings, but also cultural and industrial heritage.” – commented Renaud Muselier, President of the Regional Council.
