Chapel of Our Lady of Grace in Châtillon
Introduction
The small church is located near the remains of the Roman bridge. Probably built in 1643 by the nobleman Alessandro Betta, it was enlarged in 1820 by the parish priest Linty.
.Description
It has a rather articulated shape both in plan and in elevations, characterised by a roof set at different heights and a high bell tower on whose spire stands a 19th-century statue of the Madonna. The main façade is decorated with a fresco depicting the Virgin with Saint Grato and Saint Jocund. Above the painting rises a rather large window with a strange rounded shape. On 8 September each year, the chapel is the destination of a procession of the faithful of the hamlet of Chameran who celebrate their patron saint with an evening torchlight procession. The high altar, dating from the late 18th century, is made of gilded wood with twisted columns and statues of the Virgin Mary, the Eternal Father and angels. The original statue of the Virgin was stolen in 1979 and was later replaced with the one we see today. The walls are decorated with ex-voto paintings; some, dating back to the 19th century, depict Our Lady intent on saving the lives of her faithful. In particular, one painting from 1880 depicts a man in a carriage drawn by a prancing horse, over the bridge in front of the town hall, and the image of Our Lady protecting the driver.