Here stands the Croix de l’Evangile. A silent sentinel it has watched over Paris for centuries. This isn’t just any cross. This is the last remaining calvary in all of Paris.
The Croix de l’Evangile stands at the intersection of Rue de l’Evangile and Rue d’Aubervilliers. It’s a metal cross about two meters tall. It depicts the crucifixion. The cross itself rests on a concrete base. Around the base is a small garden. Flowers and shrubs grow there. A small marble plaque details its history.
Its origins stretch back to at least 1540. Records show it existed then. This was long before Paris expanded to its current size. The current metal cross dates to 1860. This is after its destruction during the French Revolution. It was rebuilt then. It’s made of cast iron. The design came from the Val d’Osne art foundry. The foundry’s 1856 catalog lists it. Sadly the sculptor’s name is unknown.
The Croix de l’Evangile played a significant role. It was part of a pilgrimage route. The route connected Saint-Denis church to Notre-Dame-des-Vertus church in Aubervilliers. The cross was a focal point for the faithful. They would gather there. They would pray there.
The area around the Croix de l’Evangile has changed dramatically over time. Once a rural area it is now part of a bustling city. This makes the cross’s survival even more remarkable. It serves as a quiet reminder of the past. A poignant symbol of faith and perseverance.
Its location has even inspired artists. Marcel Carné used it in his 1946 film Les Portes de la Nuit. The film features a scene at the cross. It was also photographed by René-Jacques in 1946. Robert Doisneau even included it in one of his photos in 1949. These images capture the cross’s enduring presence. They show its presence in the changing landscape of Paris.
Today the Croix de l’Evangile remains a symbol of faith. Locals still visit it. They leave flowers and candles as offerings. It’s a quiet place of reflection. A testament to Paris’ rich and layered history. It is a place where the past continues to speak to the present. This humble cross reminds us of the enduring power of faith. Its story is written in stone and in the hearts of the Parisians who cherish it.