This Little Chapel Of Guernsey At Les Vauxbelet: The Smallest Chapel In The World
The Little Chapel is nestled in the serene valley of Les Vauxbelets, in the parish of St. Andrew, Guernsey.
This tiny but beautiful chapel is one of the most loved landmarks in Guernsey.
Known for its intricate decorations and small size, it has attracted visitors for over a century.
The Beginning
The Little Chapel of Guernsey was built by Brother Déodat in March 1914.
Brother Déodat is a French monk who moved to Guernsey to escape anti-religious laws in France.
He wanted to build a chapel similar to the famous grotto at Lourdes.
Déodat’s first chapel was only 9 feet long and 4.5 feet wide, but it faced criticism, so he demolished it and built a second one.
This new chapel, finished in July 1914, was 9 feet by 6 feet.
However, when the Bishop of Portsmouth visited in 1923 and couldn’t fit through the door, Déodat had to rebuild it again.
The third and final version, which is still standing today, measures 16 feet by 9 feet.
A Work of Art
The third chapel, decorated with seashells, pebbles, and broken china, is a true work of art.
The chapel’s unique mosaic decoration follows the “pique-assiette” style.
This French term, meaning “plate-pincher,” refers to the technique of using pieces of broken pottery and glass to create a vibrant, new surface.
This style was famously employed by French artist Raymond Isidore in his Maison Picassiette, inspiring Déodat’s own mosaic masterpieces.
The chapel’s unique design gained attention after a Daily Mirror article in the 1970s, which led to many donations from locals and people around the world.
Restoration and Challenges
After Déodat returned to France in 1939 due to poor health, Brother Cephas took care of the chapel until 1965.
Unfortunately, the chapel fell into disrepair over the next decade.
In 1977, a committee was formed to restore and protect the chapel.
The restoration faced challenges, including vandalism in 2003 and 2010.
Major repair work started in November 2015, aiming to stabilize the foundation and preserve the chapel.
By April 2017, the chapel reopened to the public, although more funds were needed to complete all the repairs.
A Beloved Attraction
Today, the Little Chapel is managed by the Little Chapel Foundation and is a free attraction, supported by visitor donations.
Located off Les Vauxbelets Road, the chapel can be reached by following brown road signs.
There is parking available, and a small gift shop on site.
Though the chapel is small, it can hold only about eight people.
Inside, visitors can see a tiny staircase that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale.
The chapel’s decorations and peaceful atmosphere make it a special place that people often visit more than once.
The Little Chapel is not just a tourist spot; it is a symbol of faith and creativity.
Brother Déodat’s dedication and artistic vision have made this tiny chapel a cherished part of Guernsey’s heritage.
The Little Chapel in Media
The Little Chapel in Guernsey has been featured in different types of media, showing its special charm and importance.
Old Film
A film from 1948 shows a walk around the Little Chapel.
This film is kept at the Cinema Museum in London with the reference number HM0364.
It offers a look at the chapel as it was over 70 years ago, showing its beauty and detailed decorations from the past.
Guernsey Monopoly
In 2013, the Little Chapel was included in the Guernsey edition of the Monopoly board game.
This special version of the game features well-known places in Guernsey, and having the Little Chapel as one of the properties highlights how important and loved it is.
The game helps more people learn about and appreciate the chapel in a fun way.
