Built at the beginning of the 1950th century along the eponymous stream, the Notre-Dame de Treize Pierres chapel has an exceptional painted decoration. All of its walls are decorated with polychrome frescoes created by the Russian-born artist Nicolaï Greschny in the early XNUMXs.
A place of legends
On March 19, 1509, the Virgin Mary appeared to Colonges, a modest peasant whose cart had become mired in the brown waters of the flooding stream. Accompanied by the twelve apostles, each of whom took their place on buried rocks, she allowed the vehicle to cross the passage. Very quickly, a pilgrimage developed on the miraculous site and the bishop of Rodez had the thirteen stones enshrined in the ground of the sanctuary which he inaugurated on July 1, 1510.
Some say that at the beginning of the 13th century, a cow, digging with its hooves and horns, unearthed thirteen stone fragments which, when reassembled, formed a statue of the Virgin Mary . The monks of Loc-Dieu Abbey wanted to take the animal away, but it always returned to the place of its discovery. Thus, a first oratory , known as the "Oratory of Miracles," was built there in the aftermath of the Albigensian Crusade.
A place of sacred art
In 1952, the Russian-born painter Nikolai Greschny adorned the walls and vault with exceptional polychrome frescoes . He devoted a prominent place to the Virgin Mary, with scenes ranging from the Annunciation to the Apocalypse, including the Nativity , the Dormition , and the Coronation . Paying homage to the carter Colonges, Christ, and Saint Roch, this profusion of colors and figures, inspired by Byzantine and Orthodox art, is combined with a highly expressive Stations of the Cross, giving rhythm to the overall artistic composition.
An unknown story
In 1506, a plague epidemic devastated the population of Villefranche. The inhabitants then decided to dedicate a sanctuary to the Virgin Mary so that she would protect them from this scourge. 120 years later, it was enlarged with two chapels, and the classical-style stone entrance portal was added . During the French Revolution, the chapel was sold as "national property" and did not regain its religious function until the 1850s.
Apart from the medieval fortified town , off the beaten tourist track and unassuming in appearance, the Notre-Dame de Treize Pierres chapel possesses a rich heritage that deserves greater attention. The Clerics of Saint Viator, who still manage it today, organize guided tours year-round for groups and in July, August, and September for individuals.
Visit the chapel of Treize Pierres
| Opening hours from September 19 to September 20, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Open |
| Sunday | Open |
Chemin de Treize Pierres Parking Intéractis (Ouest Aveyron – Communauté de Communes) 12200 Villefranche-de-Rouergue
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Our territory is full of a heritage rich in history. Did you like the visit of the chapel of Treize Pierres? Also explore the chapel of the Black Penitents, the pre-Romanesque church of Toulongergues, the church of the Holy Sepulchre...
