A lantern calling from the past

The Lanterne des Morts de Pranzac, located in the French department of Charente, is a remarkable Romanesque-style monument dating back to the 12th century. It stands proudly on a flight of steps, inviting visitors to step closer to understand its significance. This unique tower, reaching nearly seven meters high, features a thick base with a wide tower on top of a thin one, with a square opening at the base for accessing the lamp and small windows near the top for allowing light to pass.

The Lanterne des Morts is crowned with a conical bell tower topped with a cross. The purpose of this monument is to call the dead while attesting to the immortality of the soul and to provide a place for prayers for the deceased. It is believed to have been built during the end of the 12th century. The Lanterne des Morts was classified as a historic monument on July 1, 1905. Lanterns of the dead are a fascinating part of historical architecture, unique to specific regions and time periods, which makes this monument a must-see for anyone interested in architecture and design.

Visitors are invited to stand before this ancient structure and consider the fears, hopes, and beliefs of those who lived so many centuries ago.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons