A must-see

article | Reading time2 min

The chapel

L'archange Saint Michel

Anchored in a tower, the chapel of the castle of Pierrefonds is at the same time intimist and radiant.

In the heart of the tower Judas Maccabaeus

An astonishing creation by Viollet-le-Duc, the chapel is located in the heart of the Judas Maccabaeus tower.

What makes it special? It is probably the only known religious building in France to have a tribune above the choir.

Originally, in the castle of Louis of Orleans, the vaults of the chapel were stretched over the apse.

By raising a vast vaulted tribune above this apse, the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc gave this chapel more slenderness but also more clarity.

In this part of the building, the architect has once again given himself over to a creative interpretation.

Vue extérieure de la chapelle
Vue extérieure de la chapelle

© Colombe Clier / Centre des monuments nationaux

A rose of a thousand colors

You will notice the non-completion of the works notably by the absence of sculptures or painted decorations on the coats of arms.

But raise your eyes to the sumptuous rose with a thousand colors inscribed in a large filling in the center of which one recognizes the Star of David. It will leave you speechless!

Rosace de la chapelle
Rosace de la chapelle

© S.Leleu/Centre des Monuments Nationaux

also to discover