Croix de Cimetière

In the Pays de Bray region, the rural commune of Fontaine-en-Bray boasts a highly original historical monument: a cemetery cross. This particular aedicule takes us back to the history of the workings of a society that, over the centuries, has been structured around Christianity.

Many crosses can be found in our countryside, particularly in Normandy. The one at Fontaine-en-Bray stands in front of the village church, a simple edifice. This Renaissance-style stone cross dates back to the 16th century and was restored in the 1870s. The monument was listed as a Monument Historique on February 5, 1914, as it is not lacking in interest.
The distinctive feature of this cross is its central position in the cemetery, and its status as one of the crosses known as hosannières, where branches were blessed to the tune of the Hosanna, particularly on Palm Sunday. They are also associated with funeral rites and the presence of mass graves.
The Fontaine-en-Bray cross consists of a Corinthian column with a list of donors, resting on a pedestal and three octagonal tiers. The cross placed on the column is a real lace, with a highly original decorative style.

This cemetery cross is made of sandstone, whereas most others are made of stone. Sandstone is a beautiful material, but its restoration is difficult and delicate. After being awarded the "Patrimoine Rural de Seine-Maritime" label in 2024, the monument was restored in 2025.
To promote its cross and church, the commune of Fontaine-en-Bray has created a number of events and listed its heritage on hiking trails.