Vierge de Monton, Religious statue and summit in Veyre-Monton, France
The Vierge de Monton is a white statue standing on a hilltop in Veyre-Monton that rises above the surrounding landscape of Puy-de-Dôme. The monument is made of limestone and offers orientation points from its elevation to identify many places and landmarks visible across the distant terrain.
The statue was constructed in the second half of the 19th century after two Capuchin monks brought the idea in the early 1860s. A noted architect then directed the building of this work during that period.
The site draws visitors and locals who come to pray and spend time on the hilltop overlooking the landscape. People from the surrounding villages have walked up here for generations to mark important occasions and connect with the religious significance of the place.
The site is accessible by a path that leads up to the monument with an orientation table at the top showing key points across the landscape. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather and bring appropriate clothing, as the elevated location means exposure to wind and the elements.
The monument was built in a time when moving such large structures to mountain locations relied mainly on animal power to transport materials. Hundreds of journeys were needed with ox-drawn carts to bring all the necessary materials to the building site.
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