Valbeleix Cemetery Cross is a 16th-century listed historical monument made of Besse lava, a volcanic stone typical of the region. Its cask presents a remarkable carved decoration, with three superimposed characters: on top, the Virgin carrying Christ descended from the cross, and in the middle, a representation of Saint Peter. These iconographic elements reflect the religious beliefs and practices of the time.
Ranked by ministerial decree on April 16, 1904, this cross was originally located in the cemetery, before being moved north of the church of Valbeleix. Its current location, although documented, remains approximate according to available sources (estimated precision at 6/10). The property of this monument now belongs to the municipality, stressing its heritage importance for the locality.
The Besse lava, a material used for this cross, was commonly used in the Puy-de-Dôme for religious and architectural works. This choice of stone, both durable and malleable, allowed artisans to make fine details, such as the faces and drapes of the characters. The lack of data on the artisan or sponsor limits the understanding of its creative context.
Available sources (Monumentum, Merimée base) indicate that this cross is one of the rare preserved examples of late medieval funeral furniture in Auvergne. Its early ranking (1904) reflects the recognition of its artistic and historical value from the early twentieth century. No information is provided on its current accessibility or contemporary use.
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