CROIX DES PRÊTRES - ALBARET-SAINTE-MARIE

Dated 1837, this wrought iron monstrance cross is the witness of the revolutionary episode of 1794. The steep relief of the Margeride offered refuge to several priests of the commune hunted by the "Patriots" of Saint-Chély, the armed arms of the Terror. On May 27, 1794, the four priests hidden in Albaret-Sainte-Marie -Mrs Dumazel, Pierre, Vanel and Saint-Just- fled to escape them. Three of them went to the Truyère gorges and Mr. Vanel fled to La Roche. The latter was unfortunately captured and guillotined in Saint-Flour on June 2, 1794. He is said to have said: "there are only two steps from the prison to the guillotine and only one from the scaffold to heaven: I have therefore only three steps to make to arrive in my homeland". This cross located just in front of the "Smallest Museum in France" is dedicated to them. On the ornamental side, it has pointed ends in conformity with the prescriptions of Louis-Philippe, i.e. relating to the suppression of the flowers of lily.