Sainte-Noyale Chapel, Gothic chapel in Noyal-Pontivy, France
Sainte-Noyale is a Gothic chapel in Noyal-Pontivy featuring a sturdy tower topped with a slate spire and twelve golden pinnacles. The interior displays painted woodwork illustrating religious scenes, and the surrounding grounds include three restored fountains plus a renovated laundry building.
The chapel was constructed in 1423 on the site of an earlier parish church. It received official designation as a historical monument in 1925, and underwent several restoration campaigns including work completed in 1871.
The chapel takes its name from Saint Noyale, whose life story is carved into the wooden interior panels. These carvings show how she was venerated locally and remain central to what visitors see inside.
The site is easy to walk through, as the chapel, fountains, and laundry building are all located close together. Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the painted woodwork and the exterior details of the structure.
Local tradition holds that three springs emerged at this location where Saint Noyale reportedly wept after her execution by a regional leader. These fountains remain a central feature of the site today and connect visitors to this age-old story.
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