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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The cross of intersection of Villefranche-sur-Cher is a historical monument located in the municipality of the same name, in the region Centre-Val de Loire. Dating from the 16th century, it is distinguished by its stone base, composed of a walk, a base in large apparatus, and a carved block adorned with a dove and a star with five branches. This base, an ancient altarpiece from the church of the commandory destroyed in the 19th century, supports a Latin cross in wrought iron, added in the 19th century, decorated with volutes in C and S.

The base features an elaborate architecture, with a reversed pyramid cornice painted in fake bricks and false white joints. Two pilasters frame a central relief representing a dove overlooking a star, a symbol often associated with spirituality or religious orders. Two candlesticks complete this composition, evoking liturgical or commemorative use. Although the current cross dates from the 19th century, the older stone base bears witness to a medieval or reborn heritage.

Classified as a historical monument by decree of 23 December 1981, this cross of intersection belongs to the commune of Villefranche-sur-Cher. Its location, at the intersection of Rue de Beauchêne and Avenue de Verdun, suggests a role as a landmark or assembly point. The accuracy of its location is estimated as "a priori satisfactory", although its cadastral is not clearly defined. This monument illustrates rural religious art and the sacred signalling practices of the 16th and 19th centuries.

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