Construction period Néolithique (≈ 4100 av. J.-C.)
Estimated erection of the menhir.
29 septembre 1967
Classification to Historical Monuments
Classification to Historical Monuments 29 septembre 1967 (≈ 1967)
Legal protection of menhir.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources do not mention any related historical actors.
Origin and history
The Menhir de la Ville-Juhel, also known as the Menhir du Pont-aux-Prêtres, is an emblematic megalithic vestige located in the commune of Vieux-Bourg, in the Côtes-d'Armor department, Brittany. This monument, carved in a block of granite, is distinguished by its imposing dimensions: 4.10 meters high, 2.05 meters wide and 2.10 meters thick. Its triangular section and its variable perimeter, ranging from 5.80 meters at the base to 7 meters in its widest part, make it a remarkable example of the megalithic architecture of the Neolithic period. Its geographical location and its morphological characteristics led to its classification as historical monuments by decree of 29 September 1967, thus underlining its heritage and archaeological importance.
Menhir is associated with the Neolithic period, a period marked by the emergence of agriculture, livestock farming and the sedentarization of populations in Brittany. Megaliths, such as that of the City of Juhel, were often erected for ritual, funeral or symbolic purposes, reflecting the beliefs and social organization of the communities of the time. In the region, these monuments bear witness to an ancient human occupation and a notable technical mastery in stonemaking. Their presence in the Breton landscape recalls the cultural and spiritual importance of these sites for prehistoric populations, while providing researchers with valuable insights into their lifestyles and practices.
According to available sources, including Loïc Langouët's work in Les megalithes de l'arrondissement de Saint-Brieuc (2005), this menhir is part of a larger set of megalithic sites in the Côtes-d'Armor. These monuments, often isolated or grouped in alignments, dolmens or cromlechs, constitute a major archaeological heritage for the understanding of Breton prehistory. The Menhir de la Ville-Juhel, with its precise location at the place called Kerlan and its state of conservation, continues to attract the interest of historians and visitors, while enjoying legal protection guaranteeing its preservation for future generations.
