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Origin and history

The lantern of the dead of Estivareilles, also known locally as lamp tree, is a typical funeral monument of the Middle Ages located in the Allier department. Dating from the 12th century, it stands on the Place du Lampier, in the heart of the village, and gave its name to this public space. Its structure consists of a hollow cylindrical column 2.60 meters high, surmounted by a conical stone roof and pierced with openings to let the light pass. A cross adorns its top, while an opening at its base once allowed to manipulate the lantern. Originally, it was probably located in the local cemetery, as the usages of the time suggest.

Classified as historical monuments by order of 31 May 1928, this lantern is a rare testimony of medieval religious architecture dedicated to the commemoration of the deceased. The lanterns of the dead, spread throughout Europe from the twelfth century onwards, served to symbolically guide the souls of the trepasses, often by a light held at their summit. Estivareilles, owned by the commune, is distinguished by its simplicity and state of conservation, although its initial location in the cemetery is no longer attested to today. Its ranking reflects its heritage importance in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

The Lampier Square, where it is now located, has become a central point of the village, illustrating the lasting link between this monument and local life. The lanterns of the dead were generally associated with churches or cemeteries, playing both a practical (nightlight) and a spiritual (soul protection) role. In Estivareilles, this monument recalls the medieval community organization, where religious buildings structured the space and time of the inhabitants. Its sober architecture, without superfluous ornaments, reflects the beliefs and construction techniques of the time.

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