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Sixteenth century cross à Caudan dans le Morbihan

Morbihan

Sixteenth century cross

    2 Rue de la Libération
    56850 Caudan
Crédit photo : Mael vreizh - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

Bas Moyen Âge
Renaissance
Temps modernes
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1500
1600
1900
2000
1504
Erection of the Cross
25 février 1928
Historical monument classification
1944
Partial destruction
années 1960
Final installation
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

Sixteenth century cross at the confluence of Scouhelle and Scorff (cad. AB 10): inscription by decree of 25 February 1928

Key figures

M. Guillou - Urbanist architect Supervised its installation in 1960.

Origin and history

The cross of Scouhel, located on Rue de la Libération in Caudan (Morbihan), was erected in 1504 to mark the limit of the plague epidemic that then struck the region. It symbolized a protective border against disease progression. Its initial location, at the confluence of the Scout and Scorff, reflected this health and spiritual function.

The cross was partially destroyed during the 1944 bombings, which also damaged the nearby church. After her restoration, she was first placed with an individual before being returned to the commune in the 1950s. It was in the 1960s, under the impetus of urban architect Mr. Guillou, that she found her definitive place near the church.

Ranked as a historic monument on February 25, 1928, this cross features a shelled cask decorated with an armored shield imbued with a crowned bust of woman, as well as representations of the Virgin to the Child, Christ of Resurrection, and a Pietà. These artistic elements testify to its religious and memorial importance. The arms of the Chefdubois family are also engraved, suggesting a link to this local lineage.

Today, the cross remains a symbol of Breton heritage, recalling both the epidemics of the past and the resilience of communities to modern destruction, such as those of the Second World War.

External links