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Origin and history

The cemetery cross of Saint-Grégoire is a monumental cross in front of the church of Saint-Grégoire, in the department of Ille-et-Vilaine, in Brittany. Dating from the 15th century, it is characteristic of the Breton crosses of that time, often erected in the placisters (parochial enclosures) or cemeteries. Its octagonal style and Christ carved in a polylobed mandorle reflect late medieval religious art, marked by a strong symbolic and sober aesthetic.

This cross is carved in a block of monolithic granite, which is typical of the achievements of the period in Brittany. The octagonal drum rests on a pyramidal base with fallen angles, itself placed on a step. Christ, inscribed in two opposing trilobes, illustrates a common iconography in the Christian regions of western France. The cross was added to the additional inventory of the Historic Monuments on February 25, 1946, recognizing its heritage value and departmental interest.

Originally, this cross was probably part of a larger ensemble, such as a calvary or a placister, a central space in the religious and social life of the Breton parishes in the Middle Ages. These monuments served as spiritual landmarks and gathering places for the faithful. Their presence before the churches emphasized the importance of faith in everyday life, while marking parish territory. Today, the cross of Saint-Grégoire bears witness to this religious and artistic heritage, still visible in many communes of Brittany.

Available sources, including Wikipedia and Monumentum, confirm its status as a historical monument and describe its architectural features. The precise location, at the address 10 Impasse du Vieux Bourg, allows to situate it in the old center of Saint-Grégoire. Although the accuracy of its location is considered poor (level 5/10), it remains a key element of the local heritage, owned by the municipality and accessible to the public.

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