Construction of the cross XVIIe - XVIIIe siècles (≈ 1850)
Estimated period of construction of the monument.
30 mai 1984
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 30 mai 1984 (≈ 1984)
Registration by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Saint-Verny Cross (Case E 413): entry by order of 30 May 1984
Key figures
Saint Verny - Saint patron saint of the winegrowers
Represented on the cross with wine attributes.
Origin and history
La Croix Saint-Verny is a religious church located in Ceyrat, in the department of Puy-de-Dôme, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, it is distinguished by its structure in three parts: a square base with a cellar intended to keep at cool the bushet (recipient of winemaker), a pyramidal pedestal, and a cylindrical cross. This monument illustrates a popular art today rare, mixing Christian symbols and wine references.
The cross presents two emblematic faces: the crucified Christ turned towards the vineyards, and Saint Verny – patron saint of the Auvergnat winegrowers – oriented towards the path. The saint, carved in high relief, is represented with wine attributes (serp, vine branch) and a dog at his feet, symbol of fidelity. These elements highlight the link between spirituality and local agricultural activities, typical of the rural communities of the time.
Classified as a historical monument by order of 30 May 1984, the Saint-Verny Cross bears witness to a threatened vernacular heritage. Its iconography and utilitarian function (the winery for winemakers) reflect the social and religious practices of the Auvergne countryside before the Industrial Revolution. The gradual disappearance of these edicles makes it a precious vestige.
Located on the old road from Clermont to Ceyrat, near the road to La Baumière, the cross belongs to the commune. Its conservation status and geographical accuracy (estimated as poor by sources) raise conservation issues. The references to Saint Verny, a local figure unknown outside of Auvergne, reinforce his ethnographic interest.
