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Crossroad crossing known as the Harispe Cross à Béhorléguy dans les Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Crossroad crossing known as the Harispe Cross

    35 Etxegoin Aldeko Bidea
    64220 Béhorléguy

Timeline

Moyen Âge central
Bas Moyen Âge
Renaissance
Temps modernes
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1100
1200
1900
2000
Moyen Âge (?)
Presumed construction
10 mars 1971
Historical Monument
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

Cross of intersection known as the Cross Harispe (box between parcels 169 and 172 of section C): inscription by order of 10 March 1971

Origin and history

The Cross Cross of Cross Harispe is a historical monument located in Béhorléguy, New Aquitaine. This Latin cross, of the navarre type, is distinguished by its straight arms finished with half-balls. It is located at the exit of the village, near a path taken by the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela from Ostabat to Roncevaux via Mendive and Saint-Sauveur d'Irati. Its circular barrel rests on a pedestal composed of two rectangular slabs, and its decor includes a stylized Christ and a crowned Virgin.

The cross seems to have been severed and placed on another cask, suggesting modifications after its creation. On one of its faces, a Christ barely discernable dominates the crusillon, surmounted by INRI inscription. The reverse presents a Virgin to the Child, while two enigmatic heads with abundant hairs adorn the base of the arms. Classified as a Historical Monument by order of 10 March 1971, it belongs today to the municipality of Béhorléguy.

This monument illustrates the importance of crossroads crosses in the religious and pilgrim landscape of the Middle Ages, marking both roads and places of devotion. Its navarre style and location on a compostellan itinerary highlight cultural and spiritual exchanges between the Pyrenean regions. However, the accuracy of its dating remains uncertain, as indicated by the mention "Middle Age (?)" in available sources.

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