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97439 Sainte-Rose
The church of Notre-Dame des Laves is located on Piton Sainte-Rose. It was surrounded by lava flows during the eruption of Piton de la Fournaise in 1977, but miraculously spared them. The staircase leading to the church entrance was carved out of the lava.
The story of… Notre-Dame des Laves
In 1977, Piton de la Fournaise awoke and erupted. Lava flows scorched the entire town.
The lava rushed into the church, but only penetrated the nave by 4 or 5 metres, causing only superficial damage. A miracle that led to the church being renamed Notre-Dame des Laves. Another arm of lava flows around the church and out to sea. Since then, Notre Dame des Laves has attracted tourists and pilgrims to the lava flow encircling the church.