The Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Prigny chapel is located in the center of the eponymous hamlet, in the town of Moutiers-en-Retz, in Loire-Atlantique, 12 km south-east of Pornic.
It was built in the 12th century and remodeled in the 17th century. Originally, the building had the rank of parish church in this fortified hamlet overlooking the marshes.
Nowadays, because of its small size, one evokes a chapel.
Forming an enclosure (or placître) with an enclosure wall and cemetery, the chapel appears squat, with semicircular openings, which is perfectly consistent with the whole of the primitive Romanesque style of which it remains exemplary.
We note however that the bell tower is later (13th century), and served as a watchtower for the Templars who served the place, in these troubled times announcing the Hundred Years War.
Certainly of character, the building is especially famous for housing three altars and their altarpieces which prove to be masterpieces of Baroque art (17th century). The high altar is dedicated to Saint-Jean Baptiste. It dates from 1752. On both sides, two niches framed by columns shelter statues of Saint John and Saint Marcoul. Three mirrors are encrusted in the decoration, one in the center and two on each side. At the top of the altarpiece, there is another niche with a statue of Saint John the Baptist carrying a lamb. The north side altarpiece is dedicated to Our Lady, that of the south side is adorned with statues of Saint Augustine, Saint Guénolé and Saint Anthony of Padua.
Finally, at the entrance, you can admire an anchor dating from the Norman invasions (9th century), unearthed in 1871, and which was undoubtedly forged in the village… The building is protected.
Guided tours every Wednesday afternoon in July and August, followed by a concert. For groups, guided tour all year round by reservation on +33 2 44 06 50 10.
