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Origin and history

The Rohic Calvary is a religious monument located at the place called "Le Rohic", in the immediate vicinity of the chapel Notre-Dame du Rohic, on the commune of Vannes in Morbihan (British). This granite calvary, dated from the 16th century, is characteristic of the Breton Christian architecture of this period. It consists of a monumental cross erected on a square base of cut stone, forming an altar. The monolithic base supports an octagonal barrel surmounted by a capital, on which rests a carved painting depicting the Crucifixion (with Christ, the Virgin and Saint John) to the west and a Virgin of Mercy to the east. The sides house the effigies of St Peter and probably St Catherine, although some parts, such as the columnettes of the corner, have disappeared.

The Rohic Calvary was registered as historical monuments by order of 25 January 1929. It is located on a placister south of the chapel Notre-Dame du Rohic, with which it probably shares a common origin, dating back to the second half of the 15th century according to some sources. The monument, four metres high, rests on a four-step porch and an altar-shaped base. The sculptures, although eroded by time, illustrate major religious scenes, framed by accolades. The property of the Calvary belongs to the commune of Vannes, and its state of conservation, though partial, makes it an important testimony of the Breton architectural heritage.

Architecturally, the Rohic Calvary is distinguished by its granite structure, typical of Breton monumental crosses. The chamfered barrel and the capital support a top painting where scenes of the Crucifixion and Pietà are highlighted by archvolts. The sculpted characters, like Saint Michael on the small sides, add to the iconographic richness of the monument. Despite the disappearance of certain elements (colonets, top of the head of the Virgin), the calvary retains a strong historical and artistic value, reflecting the religious traditions and the know-how of the stone tailors of the time.

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