Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

La Croix Carrée stone, located in the hamlet of La Pointardière on the commune of La Carneille (Orne), is a granite monolithic cross dating back to the 15th or 16th centuries. Contrary to a common belief, it is not a Christianized menhir: studies show that the cross sculptures were made before its erection, thus excluding its prehistoric origin. The stone emerges from the ground over 1.20 metres and presents a carved cross on each of its four sides, testifying to a meticulous artisanal work for the time.

This cross was wrongly classified as menhir because of its form and its implantation and was officially recognized for its heritage value by a decree of 18 February 1942, which listed it as historical monuments. The sources, such as the Merimée or Monumentum base, underline its exceptional character in Normandy, where the monolithic crosses carved on all their faces remain rare. Its location, close to the Flers Road, suggests a possible function of religious landmark or symbol for travellers.

The stone is now owned by the municipality of La Carneille (integrated since 2016 in Athis-Val de Rouvre) and remains accessible to the public, although its exact location is sometimes difficult to identify (diagnostic precision estimated at 5/10). The photographs available, licensed under Creative Commons, show a correct state of conservation, despite the centuries past. Its history reflects the frequent confusion between prehistoric and medieval heritages, while illustrating Norman funeral or devotional art of the late Middle Ages.

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