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Formerly the chapel of the “pénitents gris” (gray penitents), Saint Joseph’s chapel, patron saint of travelers but above all of carpenters and lumberjacks, is a “Provencal Gothic” construction, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic art.
In 1672, a terrible fire destroyed the village of Colmars in just a few hours, burning down 400 houses, the parish church and not sparing St. Joseph’s chapel!
It was therefore rebuilt on the foundations of the old chapel.
The building is wider than it is long, which is explained by the fact that there is only one opening and the altar must face the rising sun.
This is the chapel of the “pénitents gris” (grey penitents), who were in charge of ceremonial services, religious feasts and processions.
They also celebrated the feast of the “4 temps” brotherhood (the name given to each of the 4 periods of the liturgical year dedicated to prayer and penance, corresponding to the opening of the 4 seasons: 1st week of Lent for spring, Octave of Pentecost for summer, September 14 for autumn and 3rd week of Advent for winter).
Discover the interior:
*Baroque-influenced altarpiece with gilded wood dating from the 17th century by Lecler Angloie. The tabernacle is a 15th-century addition, most likely from the “Infant Jesus” chapel destroyed during Vauban’s alterations to the ramparts.
*The statue of the Black Madonna dates from the 13th or 14th century, and the story goes that one day, as she was being carried in a procession and probably not properly secured to her stretcher, she fell! Once up, she uttered a threat: “Woe betide Colmars, if they take me out of my chapel again, I’ll set the town on fire.
Note the disproportions of this statue, with a very short bust in relation to her legs, and a rounded belly referring to childbirth. The child has an adult head.
* The statue of the Virgin defeating the Dragon (18th century). This work shows the evolution of feminine art and representation (slim waist, breasts, proportions, draped over the thighs). It’s a representation of the angry Virgin trying to protect her child Jesus and Saint John the Baptist from the clutches of the dragon (personification of the Devil).
Discover the outside:
*On the façade to the left of the entrance, the town’s 1st coat of arms
Religious services are held in the chapel in winter. Please note that the building is not permanently open.
Free of charge.
place Joseph Girieud
04370 Colmars-en