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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The cross of the old Barret cemetery, erected in the 4th quarter of the 11th century, is an emblematic monument of the region. It was originally characterized by an implantation in the old cemetery, before being moved. Its structure rests on a flat trapezoidal foot, topped by a stone trapeze shaped like a bowl. The cross itself is part of a circle, with arms ending in clovers, a stylistic feature of the medieval era.

The restoration carried out by d'Abadie in 1856 helped preserve this heritage, although its original base disappeared. Today, it has been listed as a Historic Monument since 16 February 1990 and belongs to the municipality of Barret. Its current location in the new cemetery reflects its memorial and religious role for the local community.

The accuracy of its location is considered fair (note 5/10), and its current state remains linked to its historical funeral use. Available sources, such as Monumentum, confirm its heritage importance in the Charente department in New Aquitaine.

The cross illustrates emerging Romanesque art, with geometric and symbolic motifs typical of medieval cemetery crosses. Its ranking protects a work representative of the small rural religious heritage, often neglected but essential to understand funeral practices of the time.

The approximate GPS coordinates (5088 Le Bourg, 16300 Barret) and its official address in the Mérimée base (In the new cemetery) make it a point of interest for lovers of local history. The Creative Commons Associate Photo License (credit: Jack ma) facilitates its cultural diffusion.

Finally, its status as a communal property and its absence of an original base raise questions about the changes experienced over the centuries, particularly during its restoration in the 19th century, when the medieval heritage aroused renewed interest in France.

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