The plague that ravaged Europe prompted the municipality of Châtel-St-Denis in the 17th century to build this chapel dedicated to Saint Roch, as well as a cemetery for plague victims.
At the northern entrance of Châtel, one still encounters a chapel topped by an elegant bell tower.
On August 2, 1654, the Municipal Council of Châtel acquired the plot of land at a place called "Sur l'Etang", with the intention of constructing 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 here.
Attached to the chapel was a cemetery of 21 ½ toises (64.5 m²) for burying plague victims. The consecration of the sanctuary and cemetery by Dom Jean Chaufflon, prior of Semsales, took place on September 7, 1655, in the presence of Dom Pierre Blanc, the parish priest of Châtel, the bailiff François Nicolas von der Weid, as well as the magistrates and peasants of Châtel.
The bell was acquired in Thonon in 1660 by the governor and the clergyman of Châtel, who took 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 jewel of our heritage.
This 17th-century building is a gem 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. A mass is held there during the month of May.
Information
Unité pastorale St-Denis-Veveyse, Chemin de l’Eglise 27, 1618, Châtel-St-Denis
Chemin de l'Eglise 21
1618 Châtel-St-Denis
The chapel is only open on request.
For visits inside the chapel contact Jean-Marc Monney, +41 79 413 42 88
Chapelle St Roch
Le Gottau 3
1618 Châtel-St-Denis
