Chapelle Saint Massian - Apt, France
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member YvesProvence
N 43° 52.025 E 005° 23.185
31T E 691758 N 4859878
La chapelle Saint Massian, également nommée Saint Martian, à Apt
Waymark Code: WMY1X1
Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Date Posted: 04/04/2018
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member Marine Biologist
Views: 3
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FR Simple édifice maçonné couvert d'un toit de tuiles et surmonté d'un clocher, cette chapelle rurale abrite une voûte en berceau et derrière son autel un pan de rocher muni d'un escalier. Au-dessus de la porte, une pierre taillée en forme de blason porte les indications suivantes : "1660 - Tout par force". Si 1660 est la date de sa construction, on s'explique plus difficilement le dessin du blason et son étonnante devise.

Pour quelle raison un bloc de roche dépasse-t-il de l'abside à l'arrière de l'autel ? Parce que c'est là que s'achève l'histoire d'un saint local connu sous le nom de Martian (ou Massian). Né à Saignon au VIIIe siècle de la noble famille des Bot, le pieux Martian se retira en un lieu où existaient trois chapelles. Bientôt d'autres jeunes gens vinrent le rejoindre, et un monastère bénédictin se constitua. Il s'agit peut-être de l'abbaye Saint-Eusèbe, dont Martian aurait été le premier abbé et dont les bâtiments plus tardifs existent toujours à quelques kilomètres de là.

Plusieurs miracles sont attribués à Martian, notamment la résurrection d'un jeune aptésien décédé. Vivant de mendicité et de dons, lui et l'un de ses frères allaient un jour récolter des fonds sur la route de Buoux lorsque Martian eut un malaise et mourut sur un rocher. La légende raconte que les cloches sonnèrent toutes seules pour annoncer sa mort, et que le corps fut entouré de lumière mais ne put être décollé, sauf en présence de l'évêque. Il fut inhumé dans la cathédrale d'Apt où ses reliques sont depuis lors conservées.

Le rocher est toujours vénéré, et on raconte que les enfants qui y étaient déposés guérissaient de la fièvre. C'est autour de ce rocher que fut construite la chapelle en 1660. On l'aperçoit à l'intérieur derrière l'autel, quelques marches donnant accès à ce bloc émergeant de la colline.

Martian est devenu l'un des patrons de la ville, sa fête étant célébrée le dernier dimanche d'août lors d'un pélerinage traditionnel.
EN A simple brick building covered with a tiled roof and surmounted by a bell tower, this rural chapel shelters a barrel vault and behind its altar a rocky section with a staircase. Above the door, a flower-cut stone bears the following indications: "1660 - All by force". If 1660 is the date of its construction, it is more difficult to explain the drawing of the coat of arms and its astonishing.

Why is a block of rock from the apse at the back of the altar? Because that is where the story of a local saint known as Martian (or Massian) ends. Born in Saignon in the eighth century of the noble family of Bot, the pious Martian retreated to a place where there were three chapels. Soon other young people came to join him, and a Benedictine monastery was formed. It may be St. Eusebius Abbey, of which Martian was the first abbot and later buildings still exist a few kilometers away.

Several miracles are attributed to Martian, including the resurrection of a young, deceased aidsian. Living begging and donations, he and one of his brothers would one day fundraise on the road to Buoux when Martian cut a discomfort and died on a rock. The legend tells that the bells rang alone to announce his death, and that the body is surrounded by light but not taken off, except in the presence of the bishop. He was buried in the cathedral of Apt where his relics have since been preserved.

The rock is always revered, and on the account that the children who were classified cured fever. It is around this rock that was built the chapel in 1660. On the inside sees behind the altar, a few steps leading to this block emerging from the hill.

Martian has become one of the patrons of the city, his feast is celebrated on the last Sunday of August during a traditional pilgrimage.


Source :
  • Panneau explicatif implanté sur place ;
  • http://provence-historique.mmsh.univ-aix.fr/Pdf/PH-1995-45-182_04.pdf
Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1660

Age of Church building determined by?: Cornerstone or plaque

If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Catholic

Street address of Church:
Chemin Saint Massian
Apt, France
84400

Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]

If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed

If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Not listed

Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: Not Listed

Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: Not listed
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