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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Discoidal Cross of Saint-Paulet is a medieval stele located in the Aude department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine (now Occitanie). It is located at the entrance of a former cemetery abandoned in the 19th century, which became an annex to the park of the local castle. This cross, of an anthropoid type with shoulder, is carved in a single block of stone. It has a strong wheelbase, surmounted by a shoulder and a disc decorated with Greek crosses in reserve. A second, smaller cross is engraved at the shoulder level, while the west side bears a cross with twelve cheeked branches, derived from the cross of Toulouse.

The range of these steles appears to be limited north of Lauragais, a historical region of Languedoc. The cross was erected on one of the preserved pillars of the old entrance to the cemetery, while a similar stele, carved especially, was placed on the other pillar for symmetry. Although its exact period of construction remains unknown, it was listed as historic monuments by order of 7 April 1952, emphasizing its heritage importance.

The monument illustrates the medieval funeral traditions of Lauragais, where discoidal steles often served as markers in cemeteries. These crosses, combined with Christian symbols such as the cross of Toulouse, reflect the religious and cultural influence of the region. Their presence in old cemeteries is a testament to their role in local commemorative practices, although few written documents indicate their exact use or sponsors.

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