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Tournus Abbey: Chapel of Notre Dame la Brune

Chapel of Notre Dame la Brune

The Chapel of Notre-Dame la Brune, named for the Romanesque Madonna on the altar. Made in the Auvergne in the 12th century, the statue is a cedar reliquary that has been painted and gilded. The chapel itself, with a Gothic sculpted arch and frescoed walls, dates from the 15th century and originally housed the tomb of an Abbot of Tournus.This was destroyed in the Wars of Religion and replaced with the present altar in 17th century. The partially restored fresco shows the abbot and his patron saints.

Credit: Holly Hayes