5 km from the village, surrounded by woods, Notre-Dame-de-Presles is a homogeneous Gothic chapel dating from the early 14th century, believed to have been built by the cathedral chapter of Langres, a major beneficiary of the income from the Marcilly lands. With three bays and a flat chevet, the building has the unusual feature of having a broken barrel-vaulted crypt beneath its choir, where a spring gushes forth. This was once the site of a popular pilgrimage. People came from far and wide to venerate the statuette and the reputedly miraculous spring. But the chapel's main interest lies in its wall paintings, also dating from the 14th century. On the vaults, graceful angels with peaceful smiles bear the shields of the King of France and the Bishop of Langres. In the choir, Christ seated on a rainbow is accompanied by Saint John and probably the Virgin Mary (effaced). Beside them, trumpet-blowing angels seem to be announcing the Last Judgement. Other paintings, unfortunately faded, can still be seen in places: geometric friezes, figures, etc.
Listed as a Historic Monument on 9 July 1909.
A legend tells of its origins... A long time ago, a shepherd who regularly took his herd into the Presles valley noticed that one of his oxen kept eating in the same place and that the grass grew back very quickly. Intrigued, he started digging and discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary carrying the Infant Jesus. Taken to the village church, it disappeared and was found three times in the place where it had been discovered. It was then realised that the saint wished to be honoured in this isolated spot, so the chapel was built and a pilgrimage organised. This pilgrimage is said to be favourable for spouses wishing to have a child.
Visit available on the free Id-Vizit app!
A real personal travel companion, Id-Vizit offers you personalised, fun and interactive tours!
The app allows you to discover this masterpiece, set in the countryside of the Langres region, thanks to an interior map on which you can count the various stages of your visit: the paintings of angels bearing shields, the paintings of Christ, the statue of the Virgin Mary, the inscription "Altar Privilege", the recognition plaques, the crypt, the statue of the Virgin and Child and the old walls of the neighbouring farm.
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Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Presles à Marcilly-en-Bassigny
