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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

La Croix Maury is a monumental cross erected in the 16th century in the Doubs department, in the commune of Houtaud. It is located at the intersection of an operating road and road number 4, in the extension of Rue des Moutures. A height of 4.5 meters, it is made of limestone and cut stone, and represents a cross Christ. Its location and invoice make it a typical example of the road crosses of this period.

First classified in 1949, the Maury Cross was declassified before being listed as a historical monument by order of 22 November 1993. This change in status reflects its heritage importance, although its exact location is considered to be of poor accuracy (level 5/10 depending on the sources). Today the cross belongs to the commune of Houtaud and is part of the public domain.

The road crosses, like the Maury Cross, played a role both religious and practical in the 16th century countryside. They often marked gathering places, crossroads or territorial boundaries, while serving as a reference point for travellers or processions. In a region such as Franche-Comté, marked by a strong Christian tradition and a structured rural organization, these monuments were central elements of landscape and community life.

Available sources, including Wikipedia and the Merimée base, highlight its architectural and historical interest. The cross is referenced under the code Insee 25309 for the commune of Houtaud, in the district of Besançon. However, no information is available on any sponsors or artisans involved in the project.

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