Post #26: Ronchamp

For every student of architecture, it is necessary at some point in one's life to make a pilgrimage to Ronchamp in order to see Le Corbusier's chapel, Notre Dame du Haut. Before coming to France, Jason both read and heard about this masterpiece in design. From those who had actually been there, he most often heard about how it was in the middle of nowhere.

Well, Ronchamp may be in the middle of nowhere for most, but if you just happen to be traveling from Lyon, France to visit friends in Frankfurt, Germany, it is right on the way! We spent a few hours at Ronchamp on our way up to Frankfurt and had a marvelous time. While I was a little skeptical about the detour at first, the chapel really was spectacular. Situated in the hilltops overlooking fertile valleys below, the church helps one sense the connection between God and nature. It's certainly massive, yet somehow not overbearing. The concrete forms, while solid and heavy, are still elegant and graceful. Yet it's the lighting inside of the chapel that's most impressive. Since photos aren't allowed, I guess you'll have to go there to see it. All I can say is that it's worth the pilgrimage. :)