Construction of lantern XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Period of construction of the funeral monument.
5 octobre 1922
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 5 octobre 1922 (≈ 1922)
Order to protect the monument.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Lanterne des Morts, known as Croix de Saint-Georges, near the road to Bommiers: by order of 5 October 1922
Origin and history
The lantern of the dead known as the Cross of Saint Georges, located in Vouillon in Indre, dates from the 12th century. This funerary monument stands at the site of the ancient cemetery of the Priory of St. Saturnin de Vouillon, today in ruins with the exception of part of its church of the twelfth century. Local tradition also evokes a link with a cemetery of knights of Malta, although this hypothesis is not accurately documented. The monument is characterized by a stone structure composed of four steps forming a base, surmounted by a square pile with a glacis. Its coronation, in the form of an ovoid dome, is decorated with four horizontal striated frontons, themselves surmounted by a tore and a conical floret. Together, evoking a stylish bottle, is a remarkable example of medieval funeral architecture.
The lantern of the dead is now the property of the commune of Vouillon. Its location, near the road to Bommiers, and its relative conservation make it a valuable testimony of the 12th century funeral and religious practices in the region. The monument is part of a landscape where remains also remains of the priory of Saint Saturn, highlighting the historical and spiritual importance of the site. Available data, from sources such as Monumentum, confirm its state of conservation considered "very satisfactory" (note 8/10), although its exact address in the Merimée database is limited to the commune of Vouillon (code Insee 36248), in the department of Indre.
The architecture of the lantern of the dead reflects symbols related to death and resurrection, frequent in similar monuments of medieval times. Striped pediments and conical elements could evoke a spiritual ascent, while the overall form recalls lanterns intended to guide souls. Although the archives do not specify its exact use, this type of construction was often associated with prayers for the deceased or the commemoration of the dead, especially in rural areas where priories played a central role. In Voillon, this monument illustrates the religious and funerary heritage of the Centre-Val de Loire, marked by the influence of monastic orders and medieval chivalries.
