Construction of the cross XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Presumed period of construction of the monument.
17 juillet 1926
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 17 juillet 1926 (≈ 1926)
Registration by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Road crossing: registration by decree of 17 July 1926
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any historical actors.
Origin and history
The road cross of Chanonat is a historic monument erected in the 16th century, located on the road to La Roche, in the department of Puy-de-Dôme. It is distinguished by its cylindrical pedestal and its drum resting on a quadrangular base. At the intersection of the arms, a decorated medallion adorns the structure, while two sides represent respectively the crucifixion and the Virgin, in a sober and rough artistic style.
This cross was classified as Historic Monument by decree of 17 July 1926, thus becoming communal property. Its location, although located with poor accuracy (level 4/10 according to the sources), remains an architectural and religious testimony of the Auvergne region. The available data do not specify its exact use or sponsor, but its registration reflects its heritage importance.
The cross-roads, frequent in rural areas, often served as spiritual landmarks or gathering points for local communities. Their presence also marked territorial boundaries or pilgrimage routes. In the context of the 16th century in Auvergne, these monuments were part of a landscape dominated by agriculture, crafts and a strong influence of the Catholic Church, structuring the social and religious life of the inhabitants.
