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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The sundial of Bagneux is a 17th-century historical monument located in the town of Bagneux, Île-de-France. This type of instrument, often associated with churches or public buildings, was used to measure time through the position of the sun. Its inscription as a Historic Monument by order of 30 June 1935 underlines its heritage importance and rarity for this period.

In the 17th century, sundials were both practical and symbolic tools, reflecting the scientific advances of the time and the importance attached to measuring time in pre-industrial societies. In Bagneux, as in many French communes, these instruments were often integrated into the facades of public or religious buildings, thus marking the urban space and rhythmizing the daily life of the inhabitants. Their presence also reflects the influence of astronomical and mathematical knowledge in the material culture of the Old Regime.

The sundial of Bagneux is now owned by the municipality. Although its exact location has been discussed (between the official address at 6 rue de Sceaux and a GPS approximation at 2 Avenue Gabriel Péri), it remains a remarkable element of local heritage. Its protection in 1935 attests to its historical value and the desire to preserve these remains of the scientific and architectural past.

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