Construction of the cross XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Dated from the 15th century or early Renaissance
19 août 1907
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 19 août 1907 (≈ 1907)
Official Protection Order
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Stone cross of the 15th century, in the hamlet of the Cussol : classification by decree of 19 August 1907
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character identified
Sources do not mention names
Origin and history
La Croix de Lacussol is a monumental cross located in Saint-Vidal, in the Haute-Loire department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Dated from the 15th century or early Renaissance, it is located on the road linking the hamlet of Lacussol to the village, which dominates the village. Its precise location is indicated as being in the hamlet of Cussol, according to official sources.
The cross has been classified as historical monuments since 19 August 1907. It consists of a cylindrical drum resting on a four-step base, topped by an open capital. The circular section crusillon has a twisted decoration and ends with cruciform florets. The iconography includes a crossed Christ on one side, and a Virgin holding Christ in her arms on the other side, evoking a scene of the descent of the cross.
On the artistic level, the cross illustrates the transition between Gothic and Renaissance, with characteristic decorative elements such as the Gothic dais styling the Virgin. The property of the cross belongs to the commune of Saint-Vidal. Its conservation status and precise location (approximate GPS coordinates: 5001 Les Vignes) are documented, although the accuracy of this location is considered poor (level 5/10).
The sources available, including Wikipedia and Monumentum, underline its heritage importance in the Velay, an area marked by a rich medieval religious heritage. The cross is mentioned in specialized works such as Croix du Velay and de la Haute-Loire by Jean Chaize, demonstrating its historical and architectural interest.
The Lacussol cross is part of a wider context of Christian monuments in the Upper Loire, reflecting the devotional and artistic practices of the time. These crosses were often used as spiritual or commemorative landmarks, marking roads or village entrances. Their presence attested to local piety and the importance of religion in medieval social organization.
No information is available on any sponsors or artisans who have made this cross. Similarly, details of its specific use (processions, pilgrimages) are not specified in the sources consulted.
