Photo de la Vierge du Massacre - Vierge du Massacre

Madonna of the Massacre

AUPS

This original statue, nestled in the facade of the former church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption commemorates the massacre that took place there during the Wars of Religion.

The Huguenots of Allemagne-en-Provence, coming from the Alpes de Haute-Provence department, set fire to and looted the St Pancrace Collégiale on 16 August 1574.
Succeeding in penetrating the village, they made many victims and at this place 18 young men and girls were slaughtered for the example.
It is said that the blood flowed freely into the street below. Shocked, the villagers gave this day the name "Massacre", erected this statue and asked Henry III that a fair (which is still taking place!) perpetuate this bloody event.