Église Notre-Dame des Laves, Catholic church in Sainte-Rose, Réunion Island, France.
Église Notre-Dame des Laves is a Catholic church on eastern Réunion Island, distinguished by its pale pink exterior walls. Inside, stained glass windows created by artist Guy Lefèvre cast colored light throughout the interior space.
The church was shaped by the 1977 eruption of Piton de la Fournaise volcano, when lava flows surrounded the building. The molten rock advanced three meters into the interior but left the structure largely standing.
The church functions as a gathering place where the Sainte-Rose community comes together for worship and local celebrations. Walking through its interior, visitors experience the spiritual traditions that shape daily life in this eastern island town.
The church is accessible by the Car Jaune bus network, and free WiFi is available on the premises. Visitors should check local opening hours before planning a visit and allow time to walk around the surrounding volcanic formations.
The solidified lava flows from 1977 remain visible around the church and shape the surrounding ground. Stairs have been carved directly into the volcanic rock to help visitors navigate these formations.
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