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Origin and history

The Saint-Bily Cross is a monumental cross located at the place known as Saint-Bily, in the commune of Plaudren, Morbihan (Brittany). Built in the 16th century, it has been listed as a historical monument since September 25, 1929. This granite calvary is distinguished by its architectural structure: an altar placed on a platform accessible by three steps, topped by a shelled barrel decorated with twists. Four carved bishop figures decorate its base, while its summit represents Christ on the cross, surrounded by the Virgin, Saint John, and framed by two angels. The opposite side shows a Pietà, and the corners bear the statues of the Virgin, St John, Nicodemus and Joseph d'Arimathie.

According to local tradition, the cross marks the place where Saint Bily, bishop of Vannes between the 9th and 10th centuries, was murdered and beheaded by the lord of Kervasy between 913 and 919. Born around 840 near Redon, Bily was attested as bishop from 892. His body was reportedly buried nearby, where a chapel was later built. The current cross, although several centuries later than the event, perpetuates this historical narrative by its location and iconography.

Architecturally, the cross combines elements typical of Breton Calvary (gradins, carved base) and a strong religious symbol. Angel figures under a broken stick pediment and representations of biblical characters reflect the funeral and memorial art of the Breton Renaissance. Its inscription in historic monuments underscores its heritage value, both for its history and for its artistic bill.

Today, the Saint-Bily cross stands in front of the eponymous chapel, in the heart of a Morbihan countryside. Its state of conservation and location (GPS coordinates: 5815 Saint-Bily, 56420 Plaudren) make it a tangible witness to the religious and artistic traditions of medieval and modern Brittany.

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