Chapelle de Pen-Bron, Romanesque Revival chapel in La Turballe, France
Chapelle de Pen-Bron is a Romanesque Revival chapel standing at the tip of the Pen-Bron peninsula, featuring a granite bell tower and limestone window frames with decorative tympans. The structure occupies a prominent position on this coastal promontory overlooking the surrounding waters.
Construction began in 1891 under architect Georges Lafont, replacing an older sardine warehouse that had previously served as a gathering place for worship. This transformation marked a shift from industrial use to religious purpose on the peninsula.
The interior features wooden panels from Le Pouliguen workshops alongside stained glass that weaves together religious imagery with scenes of local life. This blend of sacred and everyday subjects gives the space a distinctive character that reflects the community.
This chapel forms part of a former sanatorium complex that functioned as a medical facility until 2011, treating respiratory and locomotor conditions. The isolated location on the peninsula means visitors should check local conditions before planning a visit.
The 1905 stained glass windows stand out because they weave local landmarks such as the Cremeur mill and Aiguillon hotel into biblical narratives. This unusual approach reveals how the artisans integrated the surrounding community into the sacred imagery.
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