Little Chapel

Guernsey, United Kingdom

The Little Chapel created in July 1914 by Brother Déodat. He planned to create a miniature version of the grotto and basilica at Lourdes, the Rosary Basilica. It has been said that it is the smallest functioning chapel in Europe, if not the world, and it is believed to be the world’s smallest consecrated church.

The chapel was originally 9 feet long by 4.5 feet wide. After taking criticism from other brothers Déodat demolished the chapel. He finished a second chapel in July 1914 (measuring 9 feet by 6 feet). However, when the Bishop of Portsmouth visited in 1923, he could not fit through the door, so Déodat again demolished it. The third and current version of the chapel started soon after the last demolition, and measures 16 feet by 9 feet. Déodat went to France in 1939 and died there, never having seen his chapel finished.

The chapel was brought sudden fame following a Daily Mirror article, which led to islanders donating coloured china, the Lieutenant-Governor of the island offered mother of pearl, and other gifts came from around the globe.

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Details

Founded: 1914
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Davy Laurijssen (7 months ago)
Very beautyful Little Chapel decorate with ceramics pieces al over the place. Free to visit but you can donate the foundation.
Ivy Cookson (9 months ago)
So delightful,very colourful,so much work gone into chapel, donations accepted, highly recommended
Anne Garner (9 months ago)
This is a free attraction, although there is somewhere that you can leave a cash donation. It's bizarre and amazing at the same time, so much work has gone into it. It's a very pretty Chapel.
Steve Bintley (14 months ago)
Reading some of the negative reviews makes me rather sad, and although it might be somewhat ‘artificial’ this place is a real gem, being one of the highlights of my time on the island. It’s free to enter and explore the grounds which is fantastic and there were no other visitors on a Sunday afternoon in January. There are signs saying it’s open between the hours of 9am and 4pm and the rest of the signage has good information on the history and on-going efforts to maintain the site. If you’re travelling via public transport there’s a bus stop right at the end of the driveway so it’s super convenient and easy to access too. If you have the time there’s so much to admire and spotting different ceramic pieces from around the country is great, plus is surprising how large the actual chapel is once inside, with the steps down to lower levels not having any less attention to detail. It might be a bit touristy, and having donation points available at the airport only adds to that vibe, but visit at a quiet time when you can admire slowly and you’ll see how wonderful and the attention to detail the place has received. I loved it.
Keith Webb (2 years ago)
An hidden gem and well worth a visit - looks tiny on the outside, but like a tardis on the inside - a beautiful creation - highly recommended...
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