Lanterne des morts d'Estrées, Historical monument in Saint-Genou, France
The Lanterne des morts d'Estrées is a medieval stone monument in the town of Saint-Genou, in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. It consists of an octagonal base topped by a hollow cylindrical shaft with a small door at the bottom and light openings near the top, reaching about 30 feet (9 meters) tall.
The Lanterne des morts d'Estrées was built in the 12th century and originally stood near the cemetery of the old church of Estrées. It was restored in the late 19th or early 20th century and officially listed as a protected monument in 1862.
The name "lanterne des morts" means "lantern of the dead" and points directly to its former place beside the cemetery of the old church of Estrées. Today it stands alone in an open field, and visitors walk around it to look at the small openings near the top that once let light pass through.
The monument stands in an open field on the edge of Saint-Genou and is easy to reach on foot from the surrounding streets. There is no entry fee, and walking around it gives a clear view of all sides without any barriers.
Although the Lanterne des morts d'Estrées now stands alone in a field, it was originally built right next to a church and cemetery that no longer exist. The hollow shaft with its small door was designed so that a wick or torch could be raised all the way to the top, letting light shine out through the openings.
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