Chapelle des pénitents noirs, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Baroque chapel in Villefranche-de-Rouergue, France.
The Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs is a baroque chapel built with a simple exterior and a Greek cross floor plan at its core. The classical facade includes a double bell tower that anchors the composition and gives the building its defining silhouette.
Construction of the chapel spanned several decades, starting in 1642 and completed in 1671. The building was later officially recognized as a historical monument in 1920, marking its importance to the region.
The painted wooden ceiling shows scenes dedicated to the True Cross, while the gilded altarpiece features moments from the Passion of Christ. Together, they create a visual narrative that guided the prayers of those who gathered here.
Check opening hours ahead of your visit, as access may vary depending on the time of year and local events. Arranging a guided tour in advance is a good idea if you want to learn more about the interior details and decorations.
Hidden beneath layers of later work, 17th-century paintings on the pilasters supporting the vault were discovered during recent restoration work. These findings offer a rare glimpse into the original artistic vision and decorative schemes of the chapel's earliest period.
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