Chapelle Saint-Martin d’Apilhac

English translation

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History

Apilhac is mentioned from the beginning of the 11th century, in a charter of donation dated 10 February 1028, to the priory of Chamalières-sur-Loire, dependent on the abbey Saint-Chaffre of Monastier. The existence of the chapel Saint-Martin is attested in the 12th century. In the 14th century, the religious service is assured exclusively by a chaplain, and no longer by the curé of the parish of Yssingeaux. A recent archaeological assessment made it possible to confirm the dating of the building and to identify the different periods of construction. The first construction of the chapel dates indeed to the beginning of the 12th century, an enlargement of the building was carried out in the Early Modern period (17th-18th centuries?). Finally, the last period of construction identified corresponds to modifications associated with contemporary occupation: a barn and a dwelling were installed in the former place of worship from the 19th century onwards. Several burials were uncovered during restoration work in the late 1990s. Despite the discovery of rock-cut pits, the assessment did not make it possible to formally identify a cemetery around and in the chapel.

Description

The chapel is located at the place-name of Apilhac, to the north of Yssingeaux. It is a modest building, consisting of a rectangular nave and choir, built of granite rubble stone, and covered in slate. Two buttresses support the chevet on either side. The west façade features a central opening, surmounted by a small square opening, currently blocked. In all likelihood, this window replaces the original door. Access to the chapel is by a door located on the south façade, surmounted by a semi-circular pediment. The nave is not vaulted, the choir has a barrel vault. The nave and choir are articulated by blind round arches: the nave comprises three bays, while the choir is divided into two bays. The capitals of the pillars are decorated with sculptured motifs. The south opening of the choir bears frescoes with foliate scroll motifs. From an architectural perspective, the chapel possesses several elements characteristic of Romanesque style: blind arcading, a barrel vault, capitals decorated with animal and geometric motifs. In the vicinity of the chapel there is also a sculptured stone cross.