CHAPELLE SAINT-ROCH

East of Sarrebourg, in the direction of Réding, there is the place called "La Maladrerie". The chapel of the former leprosarium is dedicated to the saints Wendelin, Lazarus and Roch. It is in Gothic style and was repaired in 1842. The pilgrims implore the protection of St. Roch on August 16th. The Teutonic Knights set up a commandery in Sarrebourg in 1222, and founded a sickhouse outside the city. Lepers, excluded from the community, were treated by the monks in their distinctive costume. In the 12th and 13th centuries, leprosy reached its peak, only to disappear in the 17th century. The king of France donated the chapel to the hospital of Sarrebourg.