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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The cemetery of La Gacilly, located in Brittany in Morbihan, houses a remarkable medieval cross. This funeral monument, typical of Breton Christian art, is carved in a block of monolithic granite. Its circular barrel, pierced by five holes symbolizing the wounds of Christ, bears a cross surrounded by a polylobed medallion. The two sides of the cross present bas-reliefs: the crucifixion on the obverse and a representation of Christ holding two crosses (or a knight according to the sources) on the reverse.

The Cross of La Gacilly was listed as historic monuments on May 23, 1927, thereby recognizing its heritage value. Its architectural style, combining sobriety and religious symbolism, reflects the local artistic practices of the Middle Ages. The rectangular granite base and the shale covering the base underline its integration into the Breton funerary landscape. Although the sources sometimes mention confusion with the cross of Glénac (neighboring commune), the architectural descriptions and approximate address (15 Rue du Mortier) confirm its anchoring at La Gacilly.

This type of cross, called "the cross-painting", served both as a funeral marker and as a support for devotion to the faithful. The five holes of the barrel, evoking the stigmas of Christ, reinforce its spiritual dimension. The representation of the Resurrection or a knight on one of the sides could illustrate local beliefs or legends associated with the site. Today, the cross remains the property of the commune and bears witness to the medieval religious heritage of the region.

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