Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

La Croix de Bonabry, located in Hillion in the Côtes-d'Armor department (Bretagne), is a 17th century granite calvary, although some sources suggest a possible origin at the end of the 16th century. It was classified as a historic monument on August 10, 1951 for its artistic and historical value. This monument is distinguished by its octagonal canned barrel, decorated with geometrical motifs, and by its two faces carved in a monolithic block. The main face represents Christ on the cross surrounded by the two larrons, while the reverse shows a Pietà with the Virgin, Saint John and Saint Madeleine.

The sculptures are supported by angels with deployed wings, who also carry armored shields attributed to Adrien du Fay and Catherine Madeuc, a married couple as early as 1567 according to Henri Froutier de la Messelière's research. These details suggest a connection to the nearby Bonabry mansion and a sponsor from the local nobility. The trapezoidal base and the two-degree base reinforce the monumentality of the ensemble, typical of the Breton calvaries of this period.

The calvary is at the entrance of a rabine leading to the Bonabry mansion, highlighting its role both religious and symbolic in the local landscape. The materials used, such as granite, and sculpture techniques reflect the know-how of Breton artisans from the 16th and 17th centuries. The animals and heads carved on the bases add a decorative and narrative dimension, characteristic of the works of this period.

Ranked among the historical monuments of the Côtes-d'Armor, the Bonabry Cross illustrates the importance of calvaries in Breton culture, serving as both a spiritual landmark and an artistic witness. Its state of conservation and its approximate location (17 Route de la Grandville) make it a point of interest for studies on the religious heritage of the region.

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