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Origin and history

The Saint-Bertin fountain is a stone building located at the "Saint-Bertin" site in the commune of Guillac (Morbihan, Brittany). It was erected in 1665, following a vow to put an end to a plague in the parish. Its architecture is distinguished by a mulled triangular pediment, in the centre of which is the coat of arms of the Saint-Pern family, the author of the work. A niche has been home since 1927 to a statue of Saint Bertin, a reproduction of an ancient wooden sculpture now preserved in the local church.

Several Latin inscriptions, partially deciphered, adorn the monument. One of them, CRAS TIBI HODIE MIHI ("Tomorrow to you, today to me"), evokes a reflection on mortality, while another, associated with the weapons of the Holy Father, bears the motto QUID NI ("Why not?"). A Latin plaque reflects the consecration of the fountain by the parish and the Saint-Pern family, in thanks for the end of the plague. These elements underline the votive and community character of the building.

The fountain was listed as historic monuments on February 13, 1929, recognizing its heritage value. Historical descriptions, such as that of Pierre Bouix around 1930, attest to his initial state and his role in local devotion. Today owned by the commune, it remains an architectural and religious testimony of the seventeenth century in Brittany, linked to both popular piety and the seigneurial history of the Saint-Pern family.

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