Chapelle Notre-Dame
This is the chapelle miraculeuse, the holy of holies, where St. Amadour is said to have carved out an oratory in the rock (who exactly St. Amadour was, however, is subject to debate). After caving in during the 15th century, it was rebuilt in flamboyant Gothic style, and it underwent various alterations in the 19th century, when it was restored. It shelters the venerated Black Madonna, a small sculpture carved out of wood that dates from the 12th century, depicting the Virgin seated with a small Jesus on her knee. Hanging from the roof is a 9th-century bell that was rung when a miracle occurred. Outside, above the door leading to the chapel, is an iron sword stuck in the rock that is said to be Durandal, the sword of Roland, the legendary 8th-century knight.
This is the chapelle miraculeuse, the holy of holies, where St. Amadour is said to have carved out an oratory in the rock (who exactly St. Amadour was, however, is subject to debate). After caving in during the 15th century, it was rebuilt in flamboyant Gothic style, and it underwent various alterations in the 19th century, when it was restored. It shelters the venerated Black Madonna, a small sculpture carved out of wood that dates from the 12th century, depicting the Virgin seated with a small Jesus on her knee. Hanging from the roof is a 9th-century bell that was rung when a miracle occurred. Outside, above the door leading to the chapel, is an iron sword stuck in the rock that is said to be Durandal, the sword of Roland, the legendary 8th-century knight.
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