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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Cross of St.Martin, also known as the Plouzelamber Road Cross, is a religious monument erected in the 18th century. It is located in the commune of Plouzelambre, in the department of Côtes-d'Armor (region Brittany). Its local name, Kroaz Martin, reflects its anchoring in the Breton heritage, although its exact location — reported near the C.D.38 or at the place known as 5031 Kroaz Martin — remains subject to poor geographical accuracy (level 5/10 depending on the sources).

The cross was listed as historical monuments by order of 22 December 1927, thereby recognizing its heritage value. The archives indicate that it belongs to the public domain and is a departmental property, without mentioning a specific cadastralization. No information is available about its sponsor, its detailed iconography, or possible restorations after its protection. The sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum, Merimée base) underline its status as a cross of path, a type of Christian monument often linked to popular piety or parish boundaries in Brittany.

The historical context of the 18th century in Brittany sees these crosses play a role both religious and social. They mark the paths, serve as landmarks for pilgrims or processions, and embody the local faith in a territory then predominantly rural. Pluzélambre, like many Breton municipalities, then lived in agriculture and crafts, with a strong community organization around religious buildings. The Croix de Saint-Martin is part of this tradition, although its specific history — apart from its protection in 1927 — remains poorly documented.

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