Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Orvaire-Fontaine de Miribel, originally a simple mission cross erected in the 18th century, was mentioned as early as 1748-1750 on a plan of Louis Chapuis, local lord. Two inscriptions on the north and south sides confirm the date of 1785, with references to the parish priest Claude Joseph Martin and to religious formulas in Latin such as "D(eo) O(ptimo) M(aximio)". The monument, in limestone, is about 6 meters high and incorporates a cross over a moulure cube.

In 1794 (year II of the Republic), after the decapitation of the parish priest Claude Joseph Martin in Lyon, the mission cross was transformed into a calvary in his homage. His name is engraved on the north face. The monument, originally located a few meters further west on the same square, has no longer moved since the Revolution. Its role evolves with the needs of the community.

In 1832, in the face of a drought, the town hall of Miribel had three stone bins (two large in the east/west, one small in the south) undercut to create a public drinking pot, fed by the source of the twenty. Used until the 20th century for animals, it ceased to function in the 1990s before being restored. The cross was renovated in 2012 from old postcards to regain its original girdle.

The calvary-fontaine has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1929. In the 2010s, a 100 m2 trompe-l ́oeil was added nearby, representing local figures such as Jean Moulin or Henri Grobon. Today, the monument remains a religious, historical and utility symbol for Miribel.

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