Vierge au parasol, Religious statue in Sainte-Rose, France
The Vierge au parasol is a religious statue of the Virgin Mary holding an iron parasol, located near Notre-Dame-des-Laves church in Sainte-Rose. It stands at a viewpoint overlooking the coastal landscape and forms a distinctive visual anchor for this site.
The monument was erected in 1896 by local residents and gained deeper meaning in the community through events of 1897. Over time, it has experienced the effects of volcanic activity on multiple occasions.
The site serves as a gathering place for religious observances that reinforce community bonds among residents. The name refers to the depiction of Mary holding a parasol, an unusual iconographic motif that holds special meaning in local devotion.
The monument is accessible from the Route des Laves section of National Highway 2, where a spacious parking area is available. From there, you have clear views of the surrounding coast and can explore the grounds with ease.
The monument has been relocated multiple times due to repeated volcanic threats, revealing the unique interaction between religious structures and natural forces in this region. This eventful history makes it a rare example of human resilience in the face of geological challenges.
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