Saint-Joseph Church, Bourboule

This chapel was rebuilt in 1555 on the site of a much older oratory. It contains a very famous Black Madonna and is the site of a very popular pilgrimage.

Completed in 1888, the church built by the architect Ledru on the ruins of an old church presents a set of stained glass windows (1900) by the master Félix Gaudin. The interior painted decoration, for which the building is famous, was created between 1890 and 1930 by Abbé Boudal.

The absence of archival sources does not allow us to give details concerning the time of construction of the church and the chronology of the works. It is believed to date from the 12th century (around 1146). In the 19th century, the nave's grandstands were added to the Romanesque building. In 1854, the architect Mallay added the two uneven towers of the western massif covered with hollow tiles. Between 1875 and 1877, the architect Louis-Clementin Bruyère undertook the general restoration of the building, placing the antefixes in the shape of a Greek cross or interlacing on the chapels and gables. In 1877, the church's roof was completely redone in Volvic stone. In the same year, the bell tower was rebuilt. The architect was inspired by the bell tower of Saint-Saturnin.