Still to be found at the northern entrance of Châtel, there is a chapel topped by an elegant bell tower.
On August 2, 1654, the Municipal Council of Châtel acquired a plot of land at a location known as "Sur l'Etang," with the intention of building a chapel dedicated to Saint Roch and Saint Grat. The decision to erect this sanctuary was made in the aftermath of the plague, which had devastated Europe and brought mourning to many families in our region.
A cemetery measuring 21 ½ toises (64.5 m2) was annexed to the chapel to bury the victims of the plague. The consecration of the sanctuary and cemetery by Dom Jean Chaufflon, the prior of Semsales, took place on September 7, 1655, in the presence of Dom Pierre Blanc, the priest of Châtel, Bailiff François Nicolas von der Weid, as well as the justices and peasants of Châtel.
The bell was acquired in Thonon in 1660, and it took the governor and the curial of Châtel five days to transport it to Châtel, where it arrived on January 10, 1661.
In 1985, the chapel was adorned with stained glass windows by Charles Cottet.
The four evangelists delicately animate this precious gem of our heritage.
This 17th-century edifice is a legacy bequeathed by our ancestors. It is currently classified as a historical monument. Many tourists stop to admire and photograph it.
The chapel is currently owned by the Municipality of Châtel St Denis. This chapel holds a mass during the month of May.
Reference works:
Châtel St Denis, yesterday and today by Mr. Albert Genoud - Mgr Waeber - Churches and Chapels ct. Fribourg E.D. Photos:
Old photo: St. Roch Chapel - private collection Photo: Mr. Kehren - photographer - St. Roch Chapel - 2009.
Various photos by Father Abbot Schubiger.
