Calvaries
A remarkable heritage of Brittany history.
Great calvaries, also known as monumental calvaries, are single works you can only find in Brittany. Built between the 1450’s and 1610, the calvaries are the witnesses of the prosperity of a territory combined with the religious fervour of the population.
The calvaries are usually made up of a massive cut stone block on which scenes of the Childhood and the Passion of Christ are represented. Some scenes might be painted at that time, depending on the financial possibilities of the moment. During religious holidays, some Masses were celebrated at the bottom of the calvary – simply called “the cross” at that time.
Guéhenno
Guéhenno, listed as a Rural Heritage Town, possesses within its territory the only one great calvary in Morbihan, far from the Breton dioceses of Cornouaille and Léon. This surprising monument takes place in a forest and undulating landscape, inviting for rambles in the countryside. Environment The churchyard, bordered by natural surroundings, is composed of a […]
Read moreSaint-Jean-Trolimon
The town of Saint-Jean-Trolimon is a special stop on the Solar Winds road. In this town, the blue tones of the Atlantic ocean deal in harmony with the colours of tulips’ hatching in fields. The famous monumental calvary can be admired at Tronoen’s hamlet. Environment Facing the ocean, both the calvary and the chapel look […]
Read morePleyben
The name of this parish – Pleyben – is registered at Landevennec Abbey since the 12th century. Following a common toponymy, “ple” may come from “ploe” i.e. the parish, and “Iben” would be its founder. The town of Pleyben had succeeded in distinguishing itself by developing its commerce, when other parishes took advantage of the […]
Read morePlougastel-Daoulas
Plougastel’s motto “By land and sea” – War zouar ha war vor – assures the geographic positioning of this peninsula from the world’s end, opened on Brest’s harbor and surrounded by Elorn and Daoulas rivers. Over the centuries, its inhabitants have been able to make the most of the peninsula’s situation by exploiting maritime and […]
Read moreGuimiliau
The town of Guimiliau is a real place for art lovers and tourists keen on discovering some part of Brittany identity. Indeed, its churchyard is considered as one of the more splendid of the Elorn Valley. It is true that it has all the assets: a church, a bell tower, a porch, a sacristy, a […]
Read moreSaint-Thégonnec Loc-Eguiner
The town of Saint-Thégonnec Loc-Eguiner is located on a rolling territory, bordered on the east side by Coatoulsac’h stream and on the west side by Penzé stream. It is part of the catchment area of the Elorn, a place known for the exceptional number of religious monuments that have been built here. Environment As pretty […]
Read morePlougonven
Marked out by vast pastures, the town of Plougonven is part of Rural Heritage Towns and Armorique Regional Natural Park, according to a remarkable natural heritage. The architectural heritage is also exceptional and it enables visitors to discover a churchyard, some manors and old farms which are the reflection of farmer wealth in times past. […]
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