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Origin and history

The Oratory Notre-Dame-de-la-Hail, located in Arcey in the Doubs department, is a 19th-century monument, more precisely dated 1840. It is located on departmental road 33, southwest of the village, towards Sainte-Marie. Built in pink sandstone from the Vosges, it has a cylindrical shape on a base and a neo-classical architecture. Its initial objective was to protect local crops from weather, especially hail, thus reflecting the agricultural concerns of the time.

The oratory once housed a statue of the Virgin, now preserved in the village church. The monument consists of an oval walk forming base, a cylindrical pedestal and a tabernacle-shaped niche. The combination of two-colored stones, red and white, as well as its geometric shapes, give it a special elegance. A monolithic low cross, probably older, stands before the oratory, adding to its historical character.

Listed as historical monuments in 2016, the oratory is owned by Arcey municipality. Its inscription covers the entire monument, including the low cross, as specified in the decree of 20 April 2016. Although little documented, this monument illustrates the importance of religious buildings in 19th century rural life, mixing devotion and protection of agricultural activities.

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