Gannat - Sainte-Croix

The first parish was founded here in the 10th century, as was the first castle hill with its outer bailey, and the population began to settle around the castle. In the 12th century, Gannat Castle was built outside the town walls, but directly adjacent to them.

Today, Gannat has about 5,500 inhabitants and the Église Sainte-Croix de Gannat

No documents relating to the construction of the Romanesque church have survived. It is possible that the church was connected to the motte of the Duke of Bourbon. Essential elements of the Romanesque church have been preserved in the apse and choir of the present church. Its style dates it to the late 12th century. Just one century later, the church was expanded in the Gothic style, and by the 16th century, chapels had been added to the side aisles and the ambulatory.

Saint Procule is the patron saint of Gannat. She is especially venerated in the Auvergne region.

She is a cephalophore, she is holding her severed head in her hands.