Timeline

Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The cross on the edge of the Côtes Road in Nohanent is a 16th century historical monument. It is distinguished by its location on the edge of a carriageway, highlighting its role both religious and practical for the travellers or pilgrims of the time. His iconography combines symbolic elements: a circular nimbue, adorned with bent leaves and florets in bas-relief, frame a central Crucifixion scene, accompanied by a Virgin with Child and a holy bishop blessing.

At the heart of the carved composition, Christ on the Cross is surrounded by the Virgin Mary and a holy bishop, probably a representation of Saint Stephen or another local patron, holding an episcopal lacrosse. These artistic details reflect the religious traditions of the Renaissance in Auvergne, where the cross-roads served as both spiritual and territorial marks. The monument, classified by ministerial decree on 11 February 1972, now belongs to the commune of Nohanent, in Puy-de-Dôme.

The approximate location of the cross, reported near the Chemin des Côtes (cadastre D 879), suggests a strategic location, perhaps at a busy crossroads or passage point. Its conservation status and geographical accuracy, assessed as "passible" (note 5/10), indicate a need for more accurate documentation. The photographs available, such as that of Sylenius under Creative Commons license, contribute to its heritage value, while reminding of its anchoring in the auvergnat historical landscape.

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