Chapel de Notre-Dame du Haut, Ronchamp, France
N 47° 42.263 E 006° 37.233
32T E 321496 N 5286186
Informally known as "Ronchamp", the chapel of Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp (French: Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut de Ronchamp), completed in 1954.
Waymark Code: WMDMD6
Location: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
Date Posted: 01/30/2012
Views: 18
Notre Dame du Haut was thought of as a more extreme design of Le Corbusier’s late style. The chapel is a simple design with two entrances, a main altar, and three chapels beneath towers. Although the building is small, it is powerful and complex. The chapel is the latest of chapels at the site. The previous chapel was completely destroyed there during World War II. The previous building was a 4th century Christian chapel. But, at the time the new building was being constructed, Corbusier wasn’t exactly interested in “Machine Age” architecture. He felt his style was more primitive and sculptural, so he decided to build something more interesting.
Small pieces of stained glass are set deep within the walls, which are sometimes ten feet thick. The glass glows likes deep-set rubies and emeralds and amethysts and jewels of all colors.
Because it is a pilgrimage chapel, there are few people worshipping at most times. But on special feast days, large crowds of thousands will attend. To accommodate them, Le Corbusier also built an outside altar and pulpit, so the large crowds can sit or stand on a vast field on the top of the hill. A famous statue of the Virgin Mary, rescued from the ruins of the chapel destroyed during WWII, is encased in a special glass case in the wall, and it can be turned to face inward when the congregation is inside, or to face outward toward the huge crowds.
Material(s): Concrete // ciment
Associated Religion or Church: Romantic Catholic
Parking Coordinates: N 47° 42.196 W 006° 37.249
Website: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Include an original photo of the Outdoor Altar with your visit log.