(Note: The following explanations have no scientific claim. They emerge from evidence collected by the Tourist of Fitou for writing the pamphlet "Cultural references", dedicated to the village by the services of the Department of Aude.)
The chapel as it now exists, was built during the 19th century. It is known as the "Chapel of St. Roch" in the collective memory although in fact it is dedicated to St. Joseph. Indeed, there was another earlier chapel dedicated to St. Roch, who belonged to the lord of the village and was sold as national property in 1762 along with the castle.
It was sold to a teacher and served as fodder loft until 1826. During that year the city council decided by resolution of May 14, the purchase for 800 francs.
The chapel remained to the state until 1875.
In November 1875, Father Hugonnet, pastor of Fitou, sent the villagers a printed letter, requesting a public subscription for the construction of
a church or at least a central chapel to replace the main church
which was, he said,
in a deplorable state, too remote and inaccessible.
The parish church was described by the priest as a
shame for our important commune... a hovel poorly located by its isolation and its horrible horrible avenues.
The town was concerned, though the tower had been repaired and the bell was replaced in 1861. The new building was to become, according to the abbot Hugonnet,
one of the most serious local improvements
and
be important even to the point of view of art and progress
It seems that this approach was the result of a reflection carried out since 1826, date of purchase by the local authority and pastoral authority ...
No research has been done so far to specify the date of commencement of construction and development work.
What is known is that the priest Hugonnet ambitions had to be lowered, because initially the building was limited to the choir, no vestry. It was enlarged between 1898 and 1904 by a successor of the abbot Hugonnet, Father Baraille, who adjoined a square apse and the sacristy. Finally, in 1925, the castellated tower was built and equipped with a clock. The bell of the chapel was moved to the top of the tower and it was used, since then, not only in the service of worship but also to strike the hours.
The chapel "St. Roch" property of the commune, was abandoned in 1961. The altar, communion rail, various statues and furnishings were scattered but the furniture sacristy and confessional remained in place, virtually untouched. The chapel remained unused since then, but the town had done work several times to preserve it.
