Highest point and old town in the Capital of the Cévennes, the Virgin Mary of the Hermitage is rejuvenated for two weeks. The prize pool collected, and still online, will initially cover the bullet holes, before renovating the chapel and the site overall.
Two weeks of work ahead to restore a century-old statue. This Monday, the first scaffolding began to be erected around the Virgin Mary on the Hermitage site in order to restore it. As a reminder, around 18 months ago, the hands and face of the 5.15 meter high cast iron statue were hit by bullet holes, probably caused by settling of scores linked to drug trafficking, usual in this place.
Around ten bullet holes appeared eighteen months ago… CD
The renovation is being carried out by the Notre Dame des Mines cultural association and carried out by the Lédignan company Gibelin, but above all financed by a prize pool, to which “all the Lions clubs in the area, individuals from Alès and beyond and the town hall of Alès, the main participant”details Christine Brunel, treasurer of the association.
La statue de la Vierge trône sur Alès à 290 mètres d’altitude • CD
This first phase, of two weeks, aims to restore the roof and repair pipes “broken by stone throwing“The chapel will then follow,”with a little luck next term, to resume masses straight away“, then the site homepage: “Individuals have already donated more than 1000 euros! The goal is 25,000 euros, we are not there yet (17,298 euros at the time of writing, Editor’s note)but with drops of water, we make oceans“, recalls Christine Brunel. In parallel with the renovation, the town hall plans to install cameras on the esplanade to prevent new problems.
Leetchi prize pool link
The Notre Dame des Mines cultural association is leading the renovation of the statue • CD
