Notre-Dame de Pritz chapel

Frescoes and religious heritage

From Frescoes to Secrets: Discover the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pritz

Established north of Laval since the early 8th century, Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pritz is a rich testimony to the Christian settlements of Maine.
Its evolution, the richness of its interior and the numerous Romanesque frescoes decorating its walls will enthral history buffs and the curious alike.

A historic monument

where spirituality is expressed through painting

Built on the site of an early medieval cemetery,
it was entrusted to the monks of the Couture du Mans abbey in the early 11th century, and became Laval’s first parish church.

The Foundation

Although the first Christian settlement in Pritz probably dates back to the early 8th century, the site seems to have been sacred since the Iron Age. In addition to its unusual toponym, one or more granite stelae resembling Celtic lechs have been found around the chapel. While their significance remains a mystery, they tend to be associated with funerary rites, and therefore with the possible location of a necropolis.

The Pritz monastic foundation is mentioned in the archives of the Diocese of Le Mans, from its origin (710) to the end of the 9th century. Abandoned in the tenth century, probably due to Breton incursions, the site underwent a revival in conjunction with the birth of Laval in 1024.
The priory became the parish church of the town 2km to the south, and monks from Couture Abbey in Le Mans occupied the site.

A hidden treasure

Masterpieces of the Romanesque pictorial tradition

Beyond its architecture, Notre Dame de Pritz’s main asset is its numerous murals. The oldest date from the 12th century (the Virgin’s joys on the diaphragm wall), while the most recent date from the 15th century (Saint Christophe, north wall of the nave), and constitute an exceptionally well-preserved pictorial ensemble.

One of the most interesting paintings is located on the intrados of the arch leading to the altar. It is a calendar depicting the twelve months of the year. This work undoubtedly served as a model for other calendars in the Laval basin, such as those in the church of St Martin, or the chapel of St Pierre-le-Potier.

In addition to its frescoes, the chapel contains an important religious heritage. These include two 13th-century recumbent figures, a 17th-century altarpiece, an 18th-century rood screen, a station of the Stations of the Cross and an imposing terracotta statue of Saint Christopher.