Chapelle Notre-Dame du Refuge, Baroque chapel in Besançon, France
Chapelle Notre-Dame du Refuge is a baroque chapel in Besançon featuring a dome covered with glazed tiles and a curved façade. The building showcases refined architectural details typical of the baroque style with its elegant proportions and decorative elements.
The chapel was built in 1745 as part of a convent complex. During the French Revolution, it was converted into a granary and later served as a Protestant place of worship.
The chapel reflects how religious spaces once separated different groups of people through its dual prayer rooms. Visitors can still see this spatial division and understand how community life worked within the convent.
The chapel is located within the Saint-Jacques Hospital complex and remains open for visits. Note that it continues to function as an active Catholic place of worship, so visiting hours may be affected by services.
During an 1863 renovation, the chapel received painted dome decorations and faux marble finishes that remain visible today. These decorative details reflect the craftsmanship applied to enhance the interior during that period.
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