Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The cross of the priests of Lanouee is a monolithic granite cross dated from the 15th century, located near the place called the Tertre, on the municipality of Lanouee, in Morbihan (British). It is distinguished by its cubic base with its downed corners, topped by a rectangular barrel chamfered. On one of its faces, a high relief represents a Calvary where Christ, clothed in a long pagne, is flanked by the Virgin and Saint John (whose head has disappeared). The other side shows a crowned Child Virgin, two performances of remarkable artistic quality for the era.

The cross was restored in 1804, as indicated by the date engraved on its base. This monument, typical of Breton Christian architecture, illustrates the expertise of local stone tailors in the Middle Ages. His iconography reflects the dominant religious themes of the period, mixing Marian devotion and the representation of the Passion. The cross has been protected as historical monuments since 15 March 1996, emphasizing its heritage importance.

Classified under the ZI 104 cadastre, the cross of priests is located near the hamlet of Pesnel, in a rural environment marked by the medieval history of the region. Its state of conservation and its approximate location (cartographic precision estimated at 5/10) make it a fragile but precious testimony of the religious heritage of Breton. The materials used, granite for the cross and shale for the foundation, are characteristic of the local resources available at the time of its construction.

External links