Our Lady of the Fountains

Our Lady of the Fountains stands as a medieval Romanesque chapel positioned approximately four kilometers from La Brigue, France, constructed over seven natural springs that emerge from the surrounding rocky terrain and converge into a single stream below the sacred structure.

The chapel's origins trace back to the 12th century with significant expansions completed in the 1490s, serving as a continuous place of worship and pilgrimage for over eight centuries while maintaining its architectural integrity through various historical periods and cultural transitions.

The interior contains an extensive 15th-century fresco cycle painted by Giovanni Canavesio depicting the Passion of Christ across 225 square meters, representing one of the most significant examples of religious art from that period in the Alpine region.

Visitors can access the chapel via local roads with parking facilities available nearby, and guided tours are offered by appointment to explore the medieval frescoes and learn about the site's religious and historical significance.

The seven intermittent springs beneath the chapel were believed by local communities to possess miraculous healing properties, with their water flow varying throughout the day according to ancient legends that attribute the phenomenon to divine intervention.

Location: La Brigue

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Website: http://culture.gouv.fr/culture/medieval/francais/c-gale.htm

GPS coordinates: 44.06222,7.65417

Latest update: July 25, 2025 23:09