Proença-a-Velha Cruise

Category: Religious Architecture > Wayside Cross

District: Castelo Branco > Idanha-a-Nova > Proença-a-Velha

Location

Located in the peaceful village of Proença-a-Velha, in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, the Cruzeiro stands in a central corner of the settlement. It is found in a small square, where Rua do Espírito Santo, Rua do Poço Novo, and Rua da Estrada intersect, defining a meeting point in the heart of the village.

This location has a particular history, as the Cruzeiro was erected where the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, now disappeared, once stood. As a memory of this ancient construction, it is still possible to observe nearby a niche, corresponding to one of the steps of the ancient litanies, which formerly was part of the chapel's exterior walls and is now integrated into the facade of a nearby building.

A Historical Landmark

The construction of this Cruzeiro dates back to 1940. Its erection was part of the celebrations of the centenaries of Portugal's foundation and the Restoration of its Independence, anniversaries of great national relevance that were then being marked. Thus, this monument functions as a commemorative landmark, eternalizing important dates and events in the country's history.

Its Structure and Symbolism

The Cruzeiro is a robust work in granite. Its base is a quadrangular platform with three steps, upon which rises a column with a parallelepipedal shaft. This column supports a cubic capital, which in turn is topped by a Latin cross, giving the monument its distinctive shape.

The sculpted details enrich its presence. On the plinth, crosses engraved on each of the faces can be observed. On the capital, the Coat of Arms of Portugal decorates two sides, while the other two display the crosses of the ancient Orders of the Templars and of Christ. The latter refer to Proença-a-Velha's historical connection to these religious orders. On the column, the dates 1140, 1640, and 1940 are inscribed, evoking the centenaries that the monument celebrates.

A Unique Protection

Over time, the Cruzeiro of Proença-a-Velha faced the challenge of its central location. To preserve its integrity and prevent damage caused by accidents, eight stone markers were strategically placed around it, acting as a protective barrier. These small white cubic blocks not only safeguard the monument but also visibly demarcate its space in the urban area.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt