Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The road cross of Sermentizon, located in the municipality of the same name in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is a historical monument classified since 1911. It dates from the 16th century, although an inscription on its barrel mentions the year 1814, suggesting a restoration or partial reuse on that date. Cut in Volvic lava, a volcanic stone typical of the region, it is distinguished by its structure in three parts: a three-degree circular base, a cubic base with rounded corners, and a cylindrical barrel decorated with foothills.

The head of the cross is separated from the barrel by a sculpted group of four characters, a rare element for this type of monument. Its upper branches end with apples decorated with flat leaves, while openwork foliage forms a nimble between them. This decorative style, combining religious symbols and plant motifs, reflects the local Renaissance artistic influences, adapted to regional material resources and know-how.

Owned by the municipality of Sermentizon, this cross of paths bears witness to the importance of religious landmarks in the countryside. These monuments served as both points of prayer, beacons for travellers, and territorial markers. Their preservation, like that of this classified specimen, allows us to study the evolution of devotional practices and sculptural techniques between the late Middle Ages and the modern era.

The current location of the cross, noted as "passible" (level 5/10) in the databases, indicates relative geographical impreciseness. Its approximate address, linked to code INSEE 63418 (Puy-de-Dôme), places it in an environment today marked by the volcanic and agricultural heritage of the Auvergne. No information is available on its accessibility or contemporary use (visits, events).

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