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Origin and history

La Croix de chemin de Saint-Saturnin is a historical monument located in the commune of Saint-Saturnin, in the department of Puy-de-Dôme (63), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Dated from the 16th century, this lava stone cross is distinguished by its structure adorned with jewels and a quadrilobed crucifix, typical of religious art of this period. It is located near Place du Marché, according to the available coordinates, although the accuracy of its location is considered poor (level 5/10).

The cross is composed of a head with three upper branches, each ending with a flower, while the lower branch is connected to a column forming the drum. At their intersection, a quadrilobed crucifix is carved on one side. The base of the monument, surmounted by a ring, evokes a stylized capital. Ranked by ministerial decree on 28 December 1910, this cross of paths today belongs to the commune of Saint-Saturnin. Its state of conservation and accessibility (open or closed to visit) are not specified in available sources.

The cross of paths, like that of Saint Saturn, played a major role in the religious and social life of the villages in the sixteenth century. They often marked gathering places, crossroads or prayer points, serving as spiritual and geographical landmarks for the inhabitants. In Auvergne, the use of lava stone, a local volcanic material, was common for this type of monuments, reflecting both the resources available and the craftsmanship of the time. Their preservation today reflects the heritage importance attached to these remains of the past.

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