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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Orvary of Mogneneins is a 16th-century religious building in a flamboyant Gothic style, located on the square of the parish church of Mogneneins, in the department of Ain. Built in limestone, it is distinguished by its detailed sculptures, including a cross Christ and a Virgin with the Child, as well as the symbols of the four Evangelists. His rich iconographic program includes angels, a coat of arms with "PA" initials (perhaps those of the sponsor), and a pelican feeding his young, a Eucharistic symbol.

The structure rests on an octagonal column surmounted by a capital, itself placed on a pedestal of the same shape. The Calvary was listed as a historical monument in 1991, with a revision of its protection perimeter in 2016. Although his style evokes the end of Gothicism, his precise dating remains uncertain: the initials "PA" could refer to Anne de Beaujeu (1460-1520) and Pierre II de Bourbon, suggesting a link with the Sires de Beaujeu, influential in Dombes from the 13th century.

The Corinthian capital, probably added in the 19th century when the church was built, contrasts with the medieval ensemble. The monument illustrates the religious art of the transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, mixing Christian symbolism and rich decorative elements. Its iconography, including a swan at the top according to certain sources, reflects the beliefs and aesthetics of the time.

Owned by the commune, the Calvary bears witness to the local history and the importance of noble sponsors in the region. Its inscription as a historic monument highlights its heritage value, both artistic and historical, for the department of Ain and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

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