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Origin and history

The road cross of Allègre, also called the Cross of the Fountain of Armand, is an emblematic monument of the early 16th century. Located in the commune of Allègre, in the department of Haute-Loire (region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), it stands at the intersection of the roads of Fix-Saint-Geney and Paulhaguet. Originally, it was part of the cemetery surrounding the parish church, before it was disused. Its cylindrical barrel and its arm, also cylindrical in shape, peak at three meters high. One of its faces features a representation of Christ, while the other presents a crown. The polygonal base, decorated with carved shields and partially erased Gothic inscriptions, bears witness to its age and symbolic importance.

At the foot of the cross is a lintel, nicknamed the 'stone of the dead'. The latter served as a support for the coffins of the deceased from the south of Allègre. According to tradition, the coffins of those who died outside the commune were placed there before entering the church, marking a ritual stage in the funeral. This monument, restored in 1960 for its barrel, was classified as historical monuments by order of 5 August 1932, highlighting its heritage and historical value.

The hammered and unread gothic inscriptions, as well as the sculpted shields on each side of the base, suggest a noble origin or a commemorative function. Although their exact meaning remains unknown, these artistic elements reinforce the mystery and historical interest of the cross. Today, this monument remains a valuable testimony of the funeral and religious practices of the region in the sixteenth century, while being a landmark in the local landscape.

The location of the cross, at the crossroads of important roads, indicates that it probably played a territorial or spiritual marker role for travellers and residents. Its classification as a historical monument in 1932 allowed its preservation, despite the alterations suffered over the centuries. The 1960 restoration helped to maintain its structural integrity while respecting its historical authenticity.

The cross of Allègre also illustrates the evolution of funeral uses in Auvergne. Before the disaffection of parish cemeteries, these sacred spaces were often located around churches, as evidenced by the original location of this monument. The 'stone of the dead' recalls the rites of passage associated with death, where each stage was marked by symbols and dedicated places, reflecting the beliefs and traditions of the time.

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