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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Cross of Gay is a cross of crossroads located in Pomerol, Gironde, on the historical route of the road of Santiago de Compostela. It is precisely at the intersection of the D245 and the Chemin de Chantecaille. This cross, carved in a single block of stone, is distinguished by its form of cross of Malta, symbol associated with the Hospitallers of the Order of St John of Jerusalem since 1530.

The Libournais region, where Pomerol is located, has hosted several orders of the order of St John of Jerusalem from the twelfth century, including those of Pomerol and Lalande. These religious institutions played a key role in welcoming pilgrims and managing the territories. The Gay Cross, like other cross crosses of the region, was used to delimit parishes and their hamlets, while guiding travellers on pilgrimage routes.

In 1530 Emperor Charles Quint gave the island of Malta to the Hospitallers, marking a turning point for the order that then adopted the Maltese Cross as its emblem. This symbol is found on the Gay Cross, showing the influence of order in the region. The monument was listed as historical monuments on July 2, 1987, recognizing its heritage value and its link to the religious and medieval history of the Gironde.

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