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Origin and history

The Saint-Benoît cemetery in Sarlat-la-Canéda originated in the 12th century, originally linked to an abbey. At that time, he served mainly for the burial of monks around the bedside of their church. This place became a public cemetery during the reconstruction of the church in the 14th century, although periods of major construction were associated with the 12th and 16th centuries. It was the only intramural cemetery in the city, gradually extending to accommodate the deceased in the community.

A notable feature of the site is the presence of a circular tank used as a common tomb for dead children without baptism. In addition, nine fowls (mural funeral nests) were discovered in a retaining wall, testifying to medieval funeral practices. The tomb chapel, called the Lantern of the Dead, is a prominent architectural element of the enclosure. It is accompanied by a calvary, erected on an octagonal pedestal and adorned with statues, including those of Christ, the Virgin to the Child, as well as of Saint Woman and Saint John the Baptist.

The cemetery of Saint-Benoît, partially subsisting, was classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 22 November 1981. Protected elements include the fowls and the tomb chapel. Today, the site belongs to the municipality of Sarlat-la-Canéda and retains tangible traces of its religious and funeral past, from its monastic origin to its communal use. The location of the site, although documented, is considered fair (note 5/10), depending on available sources.

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