Le Puy-en-Velay: Basilica Saint-Joseph and Statue
Statue on top of a basilica, shrine and grotto
The Basilique Saint Joseph in Le Puy-en-Velay was built on the site of the former Castle of Espaly.
The Castle of Espaly was a medieval fortress that stood on a hill overlooking the town of Le Puy-en-Velay. It was built in the 11th century and served as a defensive stronghold during the Middle Ages. The castle was destroyed in the 17th century during the Wars of Religion.
In the 19th century, the site of the former castle was acquired by the Catholic Church, which decided to build a basilica dedicated to Saint Joseph on the hilltop. The architect Emile Boizard was commissioned to design the basilica, and he chose a Neo-Byzantine style that incorporated some elements of the castle's original architecture.
Click here to see where the basilica, shrine and grotto are located on Google Maps
Below the basilique
Down at the base of the hill, where the basilica is situated, runs a river called Le Borne. The river courses adjacent to a substantial portion of the cliff upon which the basilica is built.
After ascending to the front of the basilica, a stunning vista in the distance of Le Puy-en-Velay greets you, complete with the statue of the Virgin Mary perched atop her volcanic rock, the Rocher Corneille.
The Basilica
The basilica's design includes features such as ramparts, crenellations, and a tower that resembles a medieval keep, all of which evoke the site's history as a former castle. The basilica's location on the hilltop also offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside, which would have been an important strategic advantage for the original castle.
The inside of the basilica is modern. The artists used a lot of vibrant colors.
The Grotto
Walking alongside the basilica, you arrive at a small courtyard:
At that location, an expansive souvenir store is present, accompanied by stairs that direct towards the Saint-Joseph statue (which was inaccessible due to renovations during our visit). This 22 meter high statue was made by the jesuite André Besqueut.
On a particular side, a door will be noticeable:
This door leads you into a grotto, which serves as a chapel.
Conclusion
Today, the Basilique Saint Joseph is a popular destination for visitors to Le Puy-en-Velay, who come to admire its unique architecture and rich history. The basilica's location on the former site of the Castle of Espaly adds to its appeal and reinforces its connection to the region's medieval past.