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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

La Croix des Brigands is a historical monument located in the outskirts of Maché de Chambéry, Savoie. Dating from the 15th century, it is representative of medieval crosses erected at the outskirts of cities or roads to mark a symbolic place, territorial limit or religious event. Its name evokes a local history, although the available sources do not specify the exact origin of this name.

Classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 21 November 1942, this cross is now owned by the commune of Chambéry. Its location, at the intersection of the Montjay Road and the Maché suburbs, suggests an ancient role as a landmark or assembly point. Data from the Merimée database indicate a geographical accuracy deemed "a priori satisfactory", confirming its anchoring in the city's historic urban landscape.

The 15th century in Savoy corresponds to a period of transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, marked by a rural and urban social organization centred around the local lords and the Church. The monumental crosses, such as that of the Brigands, often served as spiritual or legal landmarks, reminding travellers and residents of the boundaries of territories or Christian values. Their preservation until the contemporary era illustrates the importance attached to these symbols by local communities.

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