Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Cénaret de Saint-Chély-du-Tarn, Medieval chapel in Gorges du Tarn Causses, France
The Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Cénaret stands against a limestone cliff and combines Romanesque and Gothic features throughout its stone structure. The building features a Gothic portal, arched interior spaces, and shows evidence of construction phases spanning from the 12th century onward.
Construction began in the 12th century with the main nave, and substantial changes occurred during the 14th century that reshaped the building. These modifications reflect how the structure adapted to evolving religious needs and architectural trends over time.
The chapel reflects the devotional practices of people who gathered here across the centuries, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles that mark different periods of religious life. Its location near the river shows how communities built sacred spaces in harmony with the natural landscape of the gorge.
The chapel is accessible via the village street that runs along the Tarn River, passing by well-preserved houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. The walk is straightforward on foot, and parking is available near the village center with easy access to the site.
A spring behind the chapel feeds an underground lake, with water directed to power the historic Cénaret mill located nearby. This hidden water system connects the sacred site to the practical needs of the community in an unexpected way.
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