Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Green Cross House is an iconic building located in the centre of Dol-de-Bretagne, on the 18th of the Grand-Rue-des-Stuarts. This monument, whose vaulted cellar known as the Hell cellar dates back to the 13th century, illustrates Breton medieval architecture. The half-timbers visible today date back to the 16th century, reflecting the later transformations of the building. The cellar, classified as historical monuments since 27 April 1972, is distinguished by its arched vaults falling on round piles decorated with granite capitals with plant motifs.

The building also preserves traces of an old 15th century porch house, as well as a vaulted cellar of the 12th century, suggesting continuous occupation and successive redevelopments. A corridor has a low-hanging recess, framed by a volute arch imitating a fire, a rare architectural element. The groined columns of the cellar could come from the ancient cloister of Dol Cathedral, a hypothesis reinforced by their style and material. Volunteer archaeological excavations were conducted on the north-east adventitious parts, revealing an unexplored historical potential.

The Green Cross house is part of a medieval urban context marked by trade and crafts, typical of the Breton cities of the time. Dol-de-Bretagne, then strong and religious place, saw coexist houses, workshops and storage places like this cellar. The building thus reflects architectural adaptations related to economic and social needs, while retaining late Romanesque elements. Its partial classification (only the cellar is protected) underlines the importance of preserving these remains, while inviting in-depth studies to shed light on its complete history.

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