Construction of the cross XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Period of construction of the monument in shale.
30 mai 1927
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 30 mai 1927 (≈ 1927)
Official protection of the monument by arrest.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Cross: registration by order of 30 May 1927
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any historical actors related to this monument.
Origin and history
La Croix de chemin de la Haute-Touche is a schist-style Palis cross in the commune of Monterrein, Morbihan. Dated from the 17th century, it is distinguished by its monolithic structure, composed of two shale plates applied one against the other. His arms pattés and his decoration engraved at the cross arms include emblematic Christian symbols: the IHS monogram, two chalices, one heart and three nails. This cross is located on the path leading to a chapel, near the château de la Haute-Touche.
La Croix de la Haute-Touche was listed as historical monuments on 30 May 1927. This classification reflects its heritage importance and artistic value, especially for its symbolic engravings. The monument belongs to the commune of Monterrein and is located at approximately 1 La Haute Touche. Although its precise location is considered mediocre (accuracy note: 5/10), it remains a remarkable example of the Breton road crosses of this period.
The road crosses, like that of the Haute-Touche, played a central role in the religious and social life of the Breton countryside in the 17th century. They often marked places of pilgrimage, crossroads or paths leading to chapels, serving as both a spiritual landmark and a gathering point for local communities. Their iconography, rich in Christian symbols, reflected the devotional beliefs and practices of the time.
The architectural description of the cross, provided by J.-P. Ducouret, highlights its redentated character and its stone base. The engraved, though stylized, figures recall the local artistic traditions of shale sculpture. This material, common in Brittany, was often used for religious monuments because of its durability and ease of size. The cross of the Haute-Touche thus illustrates the handicrafts and popular piety of the region in the seventeenth century.
