Following an in-depth conservation assessment, the entire Espélugues Stations of the Cross has been found to be in a worrying state of disrepair.
The Espélugues Stations of the Cross, located on Mount Piédebat in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, offers a unique experience combining art, spirituality and nature. Along a 1,500-metre route winding through trees and rocks, the 15 stations, featuring 115 cast iron figures averaging two metres in height, illustrate Christ’s Passion, from his sentencing by Pontius Pilate to his burial.
The sculptures show significant deterioration: structural cracks, oxidised or corroded metal elements, loss of material, visible frameworks and old restorations that are now inadequate. The paintwork on the statues is badly damaged, frequently flaking or discoloured by stains. In addition, the widespread presence of vegetation, moss and humidity is causing lasting damage to the statues, their pedestals and the wooden or cast-iron crosses. Added to these problems are damage caused by humans—graffiti, votive offerings and various debris—which further increase the vulnerability of this unique heritage site.
The Espélugues Stations of the Cross were commissioned in 1912. They were created by Raffl in Paris and the Durenne foundry in Sommevoire.
This monumental work, inaugurated under the episcopate of Mgr. Schoepfer, was partially damaged in 1983 following an explosion that destroyed the figure of Pontius Pilate at the first station. Today, the Stations of the Cross, set in an exceptional natural environment, invite visitors to pray and reflect.
The Espélugues Stations of the Cross, the only one of its kind, is a must-see for pilgrims, art lovers and history buffs.
All this damage now compromises both the structural stability and the integrity of the Stations of the Cross. Water infiltration, combined with the growth of moss and micro-organisms, has accelerated the corrosion of metal elements and the gradual deterioration of other materials.
The assessment recommends extensive work based on comprehensive restoration: cleaning of the structures, structural reinforcement, removal of unsuitable previous restoration work, durable protection of surfaces and restoration of paintwork using water-repellent coatings. Without prompt action, this damage could become irreversible.
Given the unique heritage, historical and symbolic value of the Stations of the Cross, any work on them must be entrusted to highly qualified professionals who specialise in the restoration of monumental sculpture and cast iron. Their expertise is essential in order to ensure that restoration work is respectful of the original materials, sustainable and reversible, guaranteeing exemplary conservation. Previous restorations demonstrate the limitations and risks associated with work carried out by non-specialist craftsmen.
Work on the project is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the aim of halting the deterioration process and ensuring that this iconic site within the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is preserved for future generations.
Project supervised by Robin Dupont, heritage curator at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
* Rehaussement de la réduction d’impôt pour les dons effectués au profit des associations cultuelles entre le 2 juin 2021 et le 31 décembre 2022 : vote définitif de la mesure dans la loi de finance rectificative n° 2021-953 du 19 juillet 2021. L’article 18 prévoit que le taux de la réduction d’impôt prévue au 1 de l’article 200 du code général des impôts est porté à 75 % pour les dons et versements, y compris l’abandon exprès de revenus ou produits, effectués entre le 2 juin 2021 et le 31 décembre 2022, au profit d’associations cultuelles ou d’établissements publics des cultes reconnus d’Alsace-Moselle. Les versements réalisés en 2021 sont retenus dans la limite de 554 euros. Pour les versements réalisés en 2022, cette limite est relevée dans la même proportion que la limite supérieure de la première tranche du barème de l’impôt sur le revenu de l’année 2021. Le montant obtenu est arrondi, s’il y a lieu, à l’euro supérieur. Il n’est pas tenu compte de ces versements pour l’application de la limite de 20 % du revenu imposable. Précision : ce plafond de 554€ est bien distinct de celui dit “amendement Coluche” qui permet de bénéficier d’une réduction à 75% pour certaines associations caritatives et humanitaires dites « organismes d’aide aux personnes en difficulté ». Il est bien possible de cumuler ces deux avantages.
