Construction of the cross XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Estimated period of its construction.
29 décembre 1949
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 29 décembre 1949 (≈ 1949)
Official protection order.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Sixteenth century cross located at the entrance of the village: inscription by decree of 29 December 1949
Origin and history
La Croix de Roche is a historical monument located in the commune of Roche, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Dating from the 16th century, it is located at the entrance of the village, as indicated by its Mérimée sheet. This type of cross, common in the French countryside, often served as a spiritual or memorial landmark, marking the public space of a religious presence.
The cross was listed as a Historical Monument by order of 29 December 1949, which attests to its heritage value. Owned by the municipality, it is mentioned in the databases as a protected element, although its precise location is considered poor (note of 5/10). No additional information on its sponsor or iconography is available from the sources consulted.
In modern times, the village crosses played a central role in community life, serving as a gathering place for processions or prayers. In an area such as the Forez, where Roche is located, agriculture and livestock farming structured daily life, while religious monuments strengthened social cohesion and collective piety.
