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Origin and history

The Cemetery Cross of Plechatel is a monumental stone cross, dated from the 15th century, originally located in the cemetery of the commune before being moved to the Place de la Mairie. It has been classified as historical monuments since 28 January 1908. In 2015, a modified protection perimeter (MPP) was introduced following a public investigation conducted in 2014. This monument is a remarkable example of Breton religious art in the late Middle Ages.

The cross is monolithic, surmounted by a four-sided roof and a square bell. The latter represents the Holy Trinity, the Virgin and two angels. The cask, of square section, presents in bas-relief the Twelve Apostles, stylized and identifiable by their symbols and names in Gothic letters. Each side of the barrel houses three apostles, arranged in broken arch niches. The cross itself carries Christ on the cross to the west and the Virgin to the Child to the east, while the sides represent the Holy Women and Saint John.

According to the sources, this cross was built between 1396 and 1422, although its main date remains the 15th century. It is made of shale, a material typical of the region. The square base is decorated with mouldings, and the whole is topped with rubble. This monument illustrates the importance of cemetery crosses in Breton religious culture, serving as both a spiritual landmark and a funeral marker for the local community.

La croix belongs to the commune of Plechatel, in the department of Ille-et-Vilaine, in Brittany. It is referenced in several books, including the New Guide to the Breton Calvary of Eugene Royer (1985) and the Minutes of the Archaeological Society of Ille-et-Vilaine (1850). These references highlight his heritage interest and his roots in local history.

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