Saint Elisabeth Chapel

Saint Elisabeth Chapel is Beautifully Situated

The Saint Elisabeth Chapel in Vence is built in Romanesque style and dates back to the 14th century. Like many other rural chapels from that time, it also has a covered porch that protected travelers from the elements as they journeyed from town to town.

It is beautifully situated on a small elevation right where the old road to Saint-Paul de Vence begins (Ancien Chemin de Saint Paul).

Beautiful Frescoes by Giovanni Cavanesio Discovered in 1924

The most interesting feature of the Saint Elisabeth Chapel in Vence is the beautiful frescoes by the Italian painter Giovanni Cavanesio.

The frescoes were painted in the 15th century but were “lost” for many years. They were covered by a thick layer of lime and were discovered during a restoration of the chapel in 1924. In 1927, the chapel was listed as a historical monument.

Trompe L’oeil behind the Altar

Behind the small altar is a trompe l’oeil decoration (that tricks the eye), depicting the meeting between the Virgin Mary and her cousin Saint Elisabeth.

Bell Tower à La Penitents Blancs

The chapel also has a small bell tower decorated with polychrome tiles, most likely inspired by the chapel of Penitents Blancs in Vence.

The bell tower was added to the chapel later in the 19th century.

Mass is held once a year – on the Monday after the first weekend in August.

By Tommy Sverre – 2021