Construction of the cross XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Period of construction of the monument.
1789-1799
Partial destruction during the Revolution
Partial destruction during the Revolution 1789-1799 (≈ 1794)
Reversed and mutilated during this period.
1824
Rediscovered the Cross
Rediscovered the Cross 1824 (≈ 1824)
Found in a hedge near the castle.
13 juillet 1926
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 13 juillet 1926 (≈ 1926)
Registered by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Cross of Saint-Amable: inscription by decree of 13 July 1926
Key figures
Saint-Amable - Local religious figure
Legend links his birth to this place.
Famille Rochebriant - Noble line
ECU present on the monument.
Origin and history
The Cross of Saint-Amable, located in Villossanges in Puy-de-Dôme, is a monumental stone cross of Volvic dating from the 15th century. It consists of a square base surmounted by a cylindrical barrel reinforced by four foothills decorated with pinnacles. Each face of the barrel houses a niche containing a statuette of the era, while the cross itself presents, on one side, a representation of Christ, and on the other, a Pietà. A crest of the Rochebriant family is also visible on the barrel under the niches.
According to local legend, Saint-Amable was born there. Historically, this cross was initially installed in a seigneurial castle. During the French Revolution, it was overthrown and damaged. In 1824 it was rediscovered in a hedge, at the entrance of the then demolished castle. It was classified as Historic Monument by order of 13 July 1926.
The cross illustrates late medieval religious art in Auvergne, with typical architectural elements such as pinnacles and statuette niches. His iconography, combining Christ and Pietà, reflects the popular devotions of the time. The Rochebriant shield suggests a link with this noble family, although the archives do not specify their exact role in its construction or history.
