Construction of the cross XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Forged iron cross erected in Blassac
4 juillet 1907
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 4 juillet 1907 (≈ 1907)
Official Protection Order
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Iron cross of 15s: classification by order of 4 July 1907
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources do not mention any historical actors
Origin and history
The Cross of Blassac is a monumental wrought iron cross, exceptional for its material and its state of conservation in Haute-Loire. Located on the church square, in the village of Blassac, it dates from the 15th century and is distinguished by its structure composed of two octagonal stems with bolted ends, adorned with riveted serrated leaves. A bronze Christ, fixed in its center, emphasizes its religious and artistic character.
Classified as historical monuments by decree of 4 July 1907, this cross bears witness to the local medieval metallurgical craftsmanship. Its conical stone base and its location in front of the church suggest a symbolic and community function, typical of the crossroads or cemetery crosses of the era. The Haute-Loire, a rural and mountainous region, had many forgeries, although few objects of that time survived.
Historical sources, such as Jean Chaize's work on the Velay crosses, highlight the rarity of this type of iron monument in the region. The cross of Blassac, owned by the commune, remains a remarkable example of religious and artisanal heritage, reflecting the devotional practices and technical know-how of the 15th century in Auvergne. Its early ranking (1907) also illustrates the heritage interest brought to these medieval remains since the early 20th century.
