Templar chapel of Libdeau

The Libdeau chapel is the only surviving example of a Templar commandery built around the second third of the 12th century, a few kilometers from the episcopal city of Toul. Of the twenty or so Templar sites identified in Lorraine, only four remain today. Libdeau is the only one to retain its vaulted ceiling.

Probably the result of a reconstruction after the first oratory, its architectural style bears witness to the transition from Romanesque to Gothic art in the 13th century. High windows with two or three paired bays and a large stone rose window divided into twelve three-lobed petals stand alongside a semicircular portal. The lintel is carved with a Virgin and Child surrounded by two thurifer angels (carrying a censer). Above the rose is a small Romanesque window.

The chapel retains some traces of painted decoration on the lancet windows and the choir window. Paintings can hopefully be found under the preserved plaster. Three polychrome crosses remain from the chapel's consecration.

In 1963, the portal was dismantled stone by stone and transferred to the Musée Lorrain in Nancy, along with three tombstones. In 1995, the chapel was listed on the supplementary inventory of Historic Monuments. Since 2013, it has been the subject of restoration work initiated by the "Libdeau-Chapelle Templière" association, which has become its owner. The aim is to restore it to its original state, taking into account the Templar remains and the traces of transformation that have taken place in its history. A copy of the portal will be restored. It will be a place for visits and cultural events, integrated into the life of the Toulois region and beyond.

At present, it is not possible to offer permanent tours. The public can take part in tours organized by the Terres Touloises Tourist Office. It is also possible to visit the chapel when the association's volunteers come to maintain the site, generally on the last Wednesday of each month. A guided group visit can be organized on request from the association's president. In this case, a participation fee is charged.