The church of Grand Ilet in Salazie is an example of a Creole building. It is also listed as a historical monument. Between the fact that it stands straight while the surroundings “undulate”, and its appearance of a chapel in the Swiss Alps, we are transported to another place.
The church of Grand Ilet in Salazie
At the other end of the "Y" of Salazia, Grand Ilet opens its arms to you. agricultural village par excellence, it is also the obligatory passage to access the Hauts de Mafate. At the foot of the Piton des Neiges, it is surrounded by mountains with evocative names: the Cimendef, the Roche Ecrite, the Window...
It really is a paradise hikers and trail runners. But we are here to tell you about his church dedicated to Saint-Martin.
A little bit of history
Classified to Historical monuments, the church of Grand Ilet is very typical of Creole architecture with its shingles and lambrequins. Its stained glass windows were made by a Réunionnais. The interior is very sober and it contrasts a lot with the exterior.
The church looks very recent because it was rebuilt in 1978 following the passage of a cyclone. But it is already a miracle that it is still intact.
In fact, the ground Grand Islet moves an average of 6 cm per year. As proof, the parish hall just opposite the church… it is crossed by a beautiful crevasse!
Also to see in Salazie
Where to eat ?
Where to sleep ?
