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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The stone cross dated 1534 is a historical monument located in Saint-Hymetière-sur-Valouse, in the Jura department (39). It belongs to the period of the 2nd quarter of the 16th century, an era marked by the transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. This type of cross, often erected at crossroads or on public squares, served as a religious and social landmark for local communities.

Ranked by decree of 6 March 1897, then amended by an order of 5 June 1907, this cross is now owned by the commune. It is precisely on the field of Fair, a place probably central to the economic and social life of the village. The crosses of this period often reflect local crafts and religious beliefs of the time, while playing a role in the spatial organization of rural towns.

The location indicated in the Mérimée base mentions Chemilla, a nearby municipality, but GPS coordinates and Insee code (39137) confirm its connection to Saint-Hymetiere-sur-Valouse, in the borough of Lons-le-Saunier. The accuracy of its location is estimated as fair (level 5/10), which may indicate minor uncertainties in its exact location.

This monument, typical of the Franc-Comté rural heritage, illustrates the importance of religious symbols in the countryside in the 16th century. At that time, Burgundy-Franche-Comté was a predominantly agricultural region, where crosses and other religious markers were also used to structure collective spaces, such as fair fields or marketplaces.

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