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Origin and history

La Croix des Templiers de Bonnac is a monumental cross erected in the 15th century, in the hamlet of Tempel, in the municipality of Bonnac, in the department of Cantal. It is supposed to have been offered by the Templars, who resided in this hamlet under the supervision of the Commanderie de Celles. This cross, carved in basalt, is distinguished by its height of 1.90 meters and its structure composed of a base with double walking, a square base decorated with prismatic facets, and a monolithic cylindrical barrel. It is surmounted by a girouette and features carved characters, including Christ on the cross on the east side and a female figure on the west side.

The Cross of the Templars was inscribed as historical monuments by order of 7 December 1992. Today it belongs to the municipality of Bonnac and is located close to the place called Champ du Prieur. Its architectural style and ornaments reflect late medieval religious art, typical of the Auvergne region. Although its attribution to the Templars remains a hypothesis, its history is closely linked to the presence of this community in the region, notably through the Commandery of Celles.

The location of the cross, in a rural area marked by the history of military and religious orders, makes it an important witness to the medieval heritage of Auvergnat. Historical sources, such as the works of Pierre Moulier and Hippolyte Bouffet, underline his heritage interest and his connection with the Templars, although the direct evidence of this attribution remains limited. The cross is today a point of interest for those passionate about history and religious architecture, accessible in the Bonnac landscape.

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