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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The cross of Meymac is a monumental cross located on the square of the church of Meymac, in Corrèze. Mainly dating from the twelfth century, it is marked by a particular iconography: Christ is represented there crowned, his arms stretched symbolizing the cross, surrounded by the Virgin and Saint John in a polylobed circumference. On the other side, a sculpture of the Virgin holding the Child is visible. This granite monument is a typical example of the medieval religious art of Limousin.

The cask of the cross dates back to the 15th century, while the base was rebuilt in 1808 and restored again in 1818 with stones from Saint-Germain-le-Lièvre. Originally located west of the old cemetery, the cross was moved to its current location during the 19th century. It was classified as Historic Monument by order of 19 May 1925, stressing its heritage importance.

This kind of monumental cross played a central role in the religious and social life of medieval communities. In Limousin, as in other regions, these crosses served as spiritual landmarks, often placed at the entrances of villages or cemeteries. They also marked places of assembly or procession, reflecting the collective piety and spatial organization of parishes around religious buildings.

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