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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The cross of intersection of La Frédière is a historical monument located in the hamlet of La Frédière, on the town of Saint-Hilaire-de-Villefranche, in Charente-Maritime (Nouvelle-Aquitaine). Dating from the 15th century, this stone cross is distinguished by its sober architecture: a thick base, a polygonal barrel and a rudimentary capital supporting a cross with soft edges. A protuberance on the barrel probably served as altar for offerings, emphasizing its role in local religious practices.

Originally located at a crossroads, this cross was moved south of the village church. Its designation as historic monuments by order of 26 November 2008 bears witness to its heritage value. The cross illustrates the importance of calvaries and cross-roads in the organisation of medieval rural landscapes, marking both places of devotion and landmarks for travellers.

The structure, now owned by the commune, is described in the Mérimée base as an element of the public domain, located on the edge of the communal road No. 3. Its state of conservation and its current location (3 Rue Seguin, La Frédière) make it a remarkable vestige of 15th century rural religious art in Poitou-Charentes, an area marked by a strong tradition of monumental Christian sculptures.

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