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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Calvary of the Chapel of St. Croix, located on Rue de la Chapelle in Josselin (Morbihan), is a granite monument dating mainly from the sixteenth century. It is distinguished by its round barrel and its double roof, housing sculptures of Christ on the cross, Saint Laurent (holding a grill and a book), Saint Anne crowned, and Saint John the Baptist (bearing a lamb). At his feet, a representation of the Virgin to the Child completes the ensemble. This calvary, inscribed in historical monuments since September 25, 1928, illustrates the Breton religious art of the Renaissance, mixing symbolism and artisanal stone know-how.

The associated chapel, whose nave dates back to the second half of the 11th century, underwent major changes between the 16th and 18th centuries. The northern massif (excluding bell tower) was built between 1550 and 1600, while the northern chapel dates from 1736. The choir and transept, visible on a drawing by Robien in the mid-18th century, disappeared after 1750. The bell tower, with its bulb and arrow, is typical of the eighteenth century, and the south wall of the choir was restored in 1944. A cemetery cross, added in the 19th century, bears witness to the continued evolution of the site.

The Calvary is part of a broader historical context, where Josselin, the city of Morbihan, was a religious and commercial crossroads in Brittany. The Breton Calvary, often erected near chapels or paths, served as places of prayer, pilgrimage and community gathering. Their rich iconography reflected local beliefs and popular devocations, while marking the landscape with lasting spiritual landmarks.

Available sources, including Wikipedia and Monumentum, highlight the heritage value of the Calvary, protected as a communal property. Its state of conservation and its location (38 Rue Sainte-Croix) give tangible testimony to the artistic and religious history of the region, although the accuracy of its geographical location is considered poor (note 5/10).

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