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Origin and history

The cross of Saint-Martin-des-Olmes, erected in the seventeenth century, is an emblematic monument located in the hamlet of Lagat. It is distinguished by its architectural structure: a slab base, a footestal in the shape of a pyramid trunk, and a circular barrel topped by a cylindrical cross. On its southern face, a sculpture depicts the crucified Christ, dressed in a band of cloth tied to the waist, while the inscription INRI appears on a sign at the ends wound. In contrast, the Virgin holding the Child is carved on a small base.

This monument served as a meeting point for the master papermakers and their companions, organized in frairies (professional groups). These assemblies, held at the foot of the cross, allowed to deliberate on their common interests. The cross, classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 5 June 1972, thus reflects the importance of papermaking activities in the region at that time. Its precise location, on the place of the hamlet of Lagat, is documented in the base Mérimée under the cadastral reference B 1099.

The location of the cross, although known (approximate address: 4 Chemin du Sully or Hameau de Lagat), remains imprecise according to available sources, with a note of 5/10 for the quality of its geolocation. Owned by the commune of Saint-Martin-des-Olmes (code Insee 63374), in Puy-de-Dôme, it is part of the religious and artisanal heritage of the historical Auvergne, now integrated into the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

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