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Origin and history

The Cross of the Metrecy of Saint-Juvat is a monolithic granite cross, set in a quadrangular base of the same material. Its barrel, with its corners cut down and adorned with balls (called ecots or buttons), and its short arms chamfered and irregular, are characteristic of the ancient crosses. The carved roses and the drawing of a sword, insignia of justice, underline its function as a cross of justice, probably associated with nearby gallows. The coat of arms of a lord, now erased or illegible, recall his connection with local power.

Dated from the late Middle Ages (14th century), this cross illustrates medieval judicial practices, where lords exercised a right of high justice. Its architectural style, marked by elements such as slightly pawed arms and carved motifs, reflects the Breton artistic traditions of the period. The engraved sword, symbol of authority, confirms its role in the administration of seigneurial justice, while its quadrangular shape and its ornaments in balls bear witness to an artisanal know-how typical of monumental crosses.

Classified as a Historical Monument by order of 27 February 1926, the Croix de la Metrenie is a rare vestige of medieval judicial structures in Brittany. Its location in Saint-Juvat (Côtes-d的Armor), near the place called Les Mottes, suggests a strategic location, perhaps close to an old road or a gathering place. Although his exact attribution to a lord remains uncertain, his iconography and form make him a remarkable example of Breton's funeral and judicial heritage.

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