Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The cross of the village of Gironde, located in Châteldon in Puy-de-Dôme, is a monument of the early seventeenth century, although its pedestal bears the date of 1600. It consists of a local grey granite walk and a Volvic andesite cross. His sculptural style, described as "very rough", presents on one side a crucifixion and on the other a scene with two women. This iconographic duality suggests a function both religious and narrative, typical of the path crosses of the era.

The cross appears on the map of Cassini, which attests to its seniority and importance in the local landscape from the 18th century. A partially returned entry at its base, "Gironde 1600", could indicate either a construction date prior to its current form or a reuse of older elements. The monument was included in the inventory of Historic Monuments by order of 11 July 1942, highlighting its heritage value.

The materials used, Volvic Landesite and the local granite, reflect the geological resources of the Auvergne region, while its location in Châteldon, near Clermont-Ferrand, is part of a territory marked by a strong tradition of road cross. They often served as spiritual landmarks or markers for pilgrims and travellers, while marking the sacred space in the countryside.

The accuracy of its current location is considered "passable" (note 5/10), with an administrative address associated with Châteldon (code Insee 63102), although GPS coordinates provide an approximation to Champétières. This could be explained by territorial changes or historical geolocation errors. No information is available on its accessibility or contemporary use (visits, services).

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