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Origin and history

The monument to the dead of Campan, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées in the Occitan region, is dedicated to the soldiers of the commune fallen during the conflicts of the twentieth century. It is distinguished by its peaceful and symbolic approach, without direct reference to war. Built in the courtyard of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, it consists of a circular base supporting a bronze statue of a grieving woman dressed in a traditional black capulet of the valley. The bas-reliefs of the base evoke local riches: wood, butter and wool, symbolizing the peace found. Three stone plates bear the names of the dead soldiers, distributed according to the villages of Campan, Sainte-Marie and La Séoube.

The statue is the work of sculptor Edmond Chrétien, and the monument was inaugurated on November 28, 1926. Unlike many monuments to the French dead, Campan avoids any warlike representation, favouring a symbol of peace and collective memory. It was listed as historical monuments on October 18, 2018, among 42 monuments in the Occitanie region protected for their artistic or historical value.

The monument is located in front of the southern gate of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, on the cadastral plot AB 153. It belongs to Campan municipality and is accessible to the public. Its central location and iconography make it an important place of memory for the local community, reflecting both mourning and the traditions of the valley.

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