Construction of the cross XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Estimated dating, possible end of religious wars.
11 juin 1930
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 11 juin 1930 (≈ 1930)
Registration by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Cross: by order of 11 June 1930
Key figures
Jean Chaize - Local historian
Studyed the Velay crosses.
Origin and history
The 15th century cross of Javaugues is a monumental cross located on a rock above a fountain, at the entrance of the village towards Brioude. It is located in the Haute-Loire department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This cross is monolithic, with a square capital at its base and octagonal crosses finished with crowns in relief. It has no drums, an element that probably disappeared over time.
The cross presents two carved faces: one represents a mutilated Christ, surmounted by a lamb (symbol of the Lamb of God), while the other shows a Virgin to the Child dressed in rigid folds. These iconographic details suggest a dating of the 15th century, perhaps linked to the end of the Wars of Religion, according to historian Jean Chaize. The cross was inscribed as historical monuments by order of 11 June 1930.
From an architectural point of view, the cross is distinguished by its hexagonal section and its flower ornaments, separated by an astragal. A vestige of capital, still visible at its base, indicates that it was initially higher. Owned by the municipality of Javaugues, it is located near the road of Cumignat, marking the entrance of the village.
The sources available, including the works of Jean Chaize and the Mérimée and Monumentum bases, confirm its heritage importance. Its location, near a fountain, could evoke a symbolic or practical role in medieval local life, although the archives do not specify its exact use at the time.
