Just outside Le Puy-en-Velay, in the Borne valley, the Saint Joseph of Good Hope Basilica in Espaly (completed in 1918) stands on the site of an older castle chapel. Basilica, underground chapel open all the year round.
Description
Just outside Le Puy-en-Velay, in the Borne valley, the Saint Joseph of Good Hope Basilica in Espaly (completed in 1918) stands on the site of an older castle chapel. The monumental statue (22.4 metres high) overlooks the concrete chapel. The work was designed by the friar André Besqueut and was officially approved by Pope Pius X. The inauguration and benediction of the statue took place on 11 April 1910.
The underground chapels are also open to visitors (after complete renovation in 2013). They are below the statue and the church, which was designed like a medieval fortress (1913-1918).
Pilgrimages (special programmes) on 19 March and 1 May.
An exceptional panorama over the town of Le Puy-en-Velay.
Around the sanctuary are a handful of narrow, picturesque streets (Rue Abbé-Fontanille, Rue du Rocher, Rue de l’Entonnoir) in the historic centre of Espaly.
Shop: open all through the year from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Mass: Sundays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m.
Pilgrimages: 19/03 and 01/05
Languages spoken
- French
Themes
- Religious heritage
Prices
Free
Free of charge.
Opening
All year round, daily between 8 am and 6.30 pm.
Address
9 rue Abbé Fontanille
43000 Espaly-Saint-Marcel