Construction of the cross 4e quart XIIIe siècle (≈ 1387)
Estimated completion period.
16 juillet 1925
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 16 juillet 1925 (≈ 1925)
Registration by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Cross located in the public square north of the church: inscription by decree of 16 July 1925
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources insufficient to identify.
Origin and history
The cross of Bussière-Dunoise is a granite cross dated the 4th quarter of the 13th century, classified as a Historic Monument since 1925. It belongs to the type of antefixed crosses, characteristic of the Romanesque churches of the region. Its style is inspired by Carolingian motifs, with a torsade in passementerie and equal branches evoking interlaced ropes. Originally, this regional model represented a cross inscribed in a circle consisting of interlaces.
The cross rests on a cylindrical base in two parts, surmounted by a rectangular base evoking an altar. This type of monument, often placed near churches, served as a religious landmark and symbolized the Christian presence in public space. Its current location on the public square north of the church reflects its historical role in community life.
The precise location of the cross, although documented (place de l'Église, Bussière-Dunoise), is considered poor in terms of cartographic accuracy (note 5/10). The monument, owned by the municipality, remains accessible to the public. Its style and granite bill testify to local artisanal traditions and the influence of Carolingian motifs in limo religious art.
