Lanterne des morts de Fenioux, Medieval funeral monument in Fenioux, France.
The Lanterne des morts de Fenioux is a medieval stone monument standing about 11 meters tall, surrounded by eleven columns that frame a central shaft topped with a lantern and cross. The cylindrical form with regular openings between the columns allows light to project outward from within, creating a striking landmark in the surrounding landscape.
The monument was built in the 12th century on land previously used for ritual practices, and was included in France's first national registry of protected monuments in 1862. This early recognition established it as one of the oldest officially safeguarded structures of its kind in the country.
The structure served as a focal point during funeral rites, with a flame lit at its peak to honor the departed and mark sacred ground.
The structure sits roughly 80 meters west of the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors can climb 38 interior steps to the top and enjoy a view of the surrounding area.
A replica of this funeral lantern has stood at the Lozay rest stop along the A10 motorway between Paris and Bordeaux since 1994. This copy allows highway travelers to encounter a simplified version without making the detour to the original site.
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