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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Saint-Nicolas Fountain, located at the so-called "Saint-Nicolas" in Malguenac (Morbihan, Brittany), is a historic monument built in the 16th century. It is distinguished by its masonry architecture, with a niche topped by a gable and a rectangular enclosure. Embedded coats of arms, including a Malta Cross, adorn its façade, while a carved Santiago shell decorates the bottom of the niche. The building, restored in 1862 as indicated by an inscription, combines religious and practical elements, with a basin fed by a spring and a overflow canal with excavation for pilgrims.

The fountain illustrates the importance of sacred sources in Brittany, often associated with local cults or with stops for pilgrims, as evidenced by the Saint-Jacques shell, symbol of the paths of Compostela. Its architecture, with a gable wall with slopes to the ground and stairways closing the enclosures, reflects the constructive traditions of the 16th century Breton. The opening in full hang and the water flow system show a design both functional and symbolic, where the water, considered miraculous, was taken without soiling the source.

Ranked a historic monument since 29 March 1935, the Saint-Nicolas fountain belongs to the commune of Malguenac. Its state of conservation and location (approximate GPS coordinates: 5026 Saint-Nicolas) make it a remarkable example of protected fountains in Brittany. The armored currencies, partially erased, and the restoration date of 1862 underline its turbulent history, between medieval devotion and modern preservation. The site, although free access, retains a location accuracy considered "fair" (level 5/10), depending on available sources.

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