Lanterne des Morts (Lantern of the dead), Sarlat-la-Caneda
Small stone tower situated behind the Cathedrale Sainte-Marie
The Lanternes des Morts (Lanterns of the dead) are small towers mainly found in the central and western parts of France. Thought to indicate the position of a cemetary.
This is a particularly fine example and well-preserved building that dates back to the 12th-century. The origin and use of such lanterns are controversial. Some of those lanterns are said to be "lanterns of the Moors" instead of "lanterns of the Dead". The illiteracy of most of the population in the past can easily explain this as "the Moors" (les Maures) and "the dead" (les morts) sounds very similar.
Some of the lanterns in France do not indicate any cemetery and their architecture has strong oriental influences. The origin of the lantern in Sarlat is linked with the abbot Bernard of Clairvaux, who played a major role in the Second Crusade. It is said to have been built after a visit of the abbot in the city, in 1147, possibly by the Knights Templar.
