Construction of the cross XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
Estimated period of construction.
18 octobre 1944
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 18 octobre 1944 (≈ 1944)
Official classification of the monument.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Henleix Cross: inscription by decree of 18 October 1944
Origin and history
The cross of Henleix is an emblematic monument of the city of Saint-Nazaire, located in the Loire-Atlantique department, in the Pays de la Loire region. Dating from the 13th century, it is located precisely in the Heinleix district, west of the city centre, near the hospital center. Its exact location is at the northeast corner of the hospital right-of-way, at the approximate address of 3 Albert Einstein Street.
The cross was inscribed as historical monuments by order of October 18, 1944, which reflects its heritage importance. Today it belongs to the commune of Saint-Nazaire. Although the sources do not specify its original use, this type of medieval cross was often linked to religious, commemorative or deliberative functions in local communities.
In medieval times, crosses of this type frequently served as landmarks for pilgrims, funeral markers or protective symbols for travellers. In a region like the Loire-Atlantique, marked by maritime and agricultural activity, these monuments could also play a role in the organisation of territories and movements. Their presence often reflected the importance of the Christian faith in the daily lives of local people.
