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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The cross of Bilhac is a monumental cross located in the hamlet of Bilhac, in the commune of Polignac, in the department of Haute-Loire (region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes). The base of the 15th century, however, is the 1803 vintage, suggesting restoration or subsequent addition. It is distinguished by its arkose cylindrical barrel, adorned with mouldings, and its square crumbs decorated with carved volutes, fleurons and diamond. The faces present a nimbe Christ and a Virgin of pity, while the sides house beheaded statuettes, probably Saint John and Marie-Madeleine.

In 1959, the cross, threatened by road works, was dismantled by the inhabitants of Bilhac but broke during the operation. It was restored and resettled in 1963. Its designation as historic monuments by order of 11 June 1930 bears witness to its heritage value. The base, composed of superimposed stones, supports an evasive entanglement, while the dice under the barrel, distinct by its style, confirms interventions at different times.

The iconography of the cross, mixing Christian symbols (Christ, Virgin of pity) and decorative motifs (flowers, quadrolobed roses), reflects the religious art of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Local materials, such as arcosis, and sculpture techniques (astragals, mouldings) illustrate the know-how of local artisans. The cross, originally located on a road axis, probably marked a place of devotion or a territorial limit, common practice for this type of monument.

The historical sources, including Jean Chaize's work on the Velay crosses, underline its importance in the religious heritage of the Haute-Loire. Its restoration in the 20th century, led by the local community, demonstrates the inhabitants' attachment to this symbol of their history. Today, it remains a testimony of the artistic and spiritual traditions of the region, accessible to the public in its original location.

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