Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Leitan's alignment is a group of five menhirs in local granite, of which only one, measuring about 3 meters high, remains standing today. The other blocks, about 3 meters long, lie in the slope or masked by vegetation. The alignment extends about 40 meters on a north-east/south-west axis, on the municipality of Brennilis, in Finistère.

The site was first mentioned by Paul du Châtellier in 1897 in his Memoirs of the Society of Emulation of the North Coasts. At that time, only one menhir was still trained. The alignment was inscribed as historical monuments on 17 October 1995, thus protecting menhirs and their immediate environment, with the exception of contemporary buildings.

The menhirs of Leitan date from the Protohistory and are listed in the ZPPAU (Zone of Protection of Architectural and Urban Heritage) of Brennilis. Their layout and size suggest a cultural or ritual significance, typical of the megalithic monuments of this period in Brittany. The site is now partially visible, with a location estimated as 'passable' in terms of accuracy.

Paul du Châtellier, 19th century archaeologist, played a key role in the initial documentation of the site. His work, published in 1897, kept a record of the alignment before its condition deteriorated further. The standing menhir, as well as the coated blocks, are made of local granite, a material characteristic of the megalithic constructions of the region.

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