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Origin and history

The Cross of the Brassée, located in the village of La Croix-Hellean in Morbihan, is a monolithic cross patted in granite stone. It rests on a base of cut stone covered with a slab, itself placed on a two-degree walk. There is no decoration for this cross, typical of the Breton medieval road crosses. Its origin dates back to the 11th or 12th century, when the monolithic crosses often served as religious landmarks or symbols along the lines of communication.

The cross was listed as historical monuments by order of 23 May 1927, thereby recognizing its heritage value. Today it belongs to the municipality of La Croix-Hellean and is located near the town hall, in the central square of the town. Its state of conservation and its location suggest a function both practical and spiritual for the inhabitants and travelers of the medieval era.

In the 11th and 12th centuries, Brittany was marked by a feudal organization and a progressive Christianization of the countryside. The monolithic crosses, like that of La Croix-Hellean, played an important role in daily life: they delineated territories, served as gathering points or places of prayer. Their simplicity often reflects local craftsmanship and the resources available, here granite, abundant material in the region. These monuments also testify to the importance of religious symbolism in the medieval public space.

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