Description
The church of Lachapelle, classified as a historical monument, surprises the visitor with its baroque style which plunges us into an Italian theatre.
Originally a castle chapel, the church of Lachapelle became a parish church in the 15th century.
The interior was fitted out later thanks to the fortune of two brothers: the Goulard brothers, one a priest, the other a vicar. Thanks to their heritage, they call on a cabinetmaker from Lectoure called Champaigne and turn this building into a pure Baroque marvel. The decor was completed in 1776.
The decor is incredible: we have a Baroque style very fashionable at the time of Louis XV, in particular the “Rocaille” or “Rococo” decor, this mixture of plants and minerals reminiscent of shells.
In this church, the walls are completely covered with molded woodwork and decorated with columns with Corinthian capitals surmounted by firepots.
We see, between the columns, imposing paintings painted at the beginning of the 19th century to replace those which had been lacerated during the Revolution.
On the other hand, one of the Baroque treasures here, unique in France, are the three rows of concave and convex stands which reproduce the alcoves of a Venetian theatre. Its architecture is in painted and gilded molded wood. Each of the arches is surmounted by a cartridge carved in wood and represents either plants or murex shells.
The current ceiling was restored in 1991. It is made of trompe l’oeil wallpaper with a coffer pattern. It is an exact reproduction of the 18th century one which had been damaged by water infiltration.
Also worth seeing: the 18th century lectern which is made up of two eagles which symbolize Saint John the Evangelist. It is made of gilded and silvered wood and serves as a desk.
Spoken languages
- French
Opening
From 10/01 to 31/03, every Sunday between 2 pm and 5 pm
From 01/04 to 30/06, daily between 2 pm and 6 pm
From 01/07 to 31/08
Opening hours daily between 10 am and 1230 pm and between 2 pm and 630 pm
From 01/09 to 31/10, daily between 2 pm and 6 pm
From 01/11 to 03/12, every Sunday between 2 pm and 5 pm
From 02/12 to 07/01
Opening hours daily between 10 am and 1230 pm and between 2 pm and 5 pm
Closed exceptionally on January 1st and December 25th
Prices & payment
Free to participate.
Equipment & services
- Car park
- Shop
