Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The cross of Penlan is a calvary located near the place called Grand Penlan, in the municipality of Helléan in Morbihan. This monument, dated from the 17th century, is distinguished by its monolithic architecture: a polygonal cask supporting a cross with a building, directly attached to the rock without a base. On one side, a semi-relief setting depicts Calvary with Christ on the cross, the Virgin and Saint John at his feet. The other side shows a Virgin of Mercy (Pietà). Five holes at the top of the barrel symbolize the five wounds of Christ.

The Penlan Cross was listed as historical monuments by order of 29 March 1935. It belongs to the municipality of Helléan, in the department of Morbihan (region Brittany). This type of cross-table, typical of Brittany, served both as a religious landmark and as a place of devotion for local inhabitants. The carved motifs, such as Calvary and Pietà, reflect the importance of Christian symbolism in the daily and spiritual life of the time.

Architecturally, the cross is characterized by its large octagonal barrel and its cross surmounted by a rounded pediment. Artistic details, such as semi-relief characters, illustrate the expertise of the Breton stone tailors of the 17th century. The approximate location, noted as "passable" (level 5/10), suggests an isolated site, probably linked to a procession path or local pilgrimage site. No information is available on any sponsors or artisans who have made the work.

External links