The Lanterne des Morts de Pranzac, located in the department of Charente, is a Romanesque-style monument dating back to the 12th century. It stands on a base of steps in a public square in the center of the village, at the site of the former cemetery. This tower reaches nearly seven meters in height and is a hollowed-out column. It features a base with a thick torus topped by a thin torus, with a square opening at the bottom for accessing the lamp and small windows at the top to let light through.
The Lanterne des Morts is crowned with a conical bell tower topped with a cross. The monument is believed to have been built during the end of the 12th century. Lanterns of the dead are reputed to have a religious role, attesting to the immortality of the soul and calling for prayers for the deceased. It was classified as a historic monument in 1905.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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