Cross of Portugal

Category: Religious Architecture > Stone Cross

District: Faro > Silves > Silves > Enxerim

Location and Classification

The Cruz de Portugal (Cross of Portugal) is a monument located in the city of Silves, Faro district, classified as a National Monument since 1910.

Description

The cross measures approximately 3 meters in height and exhibits characteristics of the Flamboyant Gothic and Manueline styles. It is made of white-yellowish limestone, but it is fragile and shows signs of erosion. One face displays a representation of Christ crucified and the other shows Christ taken down from the cross with his mother, known as Pietà. The cross is protected by a stone and iron railing structure, with a porch built in 1943 and rebuilt in 1953.

History and Location

The Cruz de Portugal has occupied different locations in Silves, such as near the Sé Catedral (Cathedral) and in the town hall square. In 1957, it was moved to its current location on the N124 road towards São Bartolomeu de Messines. In 1824, the limestone base of the cross was provided by the town council, and the original cross was much taller and served as a landmark in the city.

Origins and Style

The precise origin of the cross is still unknown. According to a technical and geological analysis, it is believed that the cross dates back to the 15th century, possibly to the end of that century, due to the Flamboyant Gothic style used. The fact that it is made of a type of limestone not found in the Algarve suggests that the cross was imported from another region. The name "Cruz de Portugal" indicates the possibility that it was commissioned by Portuguese people and/or for Portugal. Furthermore, the figurative elements present on the cross, such as the Pietà, are not common in Portugal, nor is the Gothic style.

Possible Donation by King Manuel I

One of the most likely hypotheses is that the Cruz de Portugal was donated to the city on the occasion of the visit of King Manuel I in 1499. This donation could be a gesture of gratitude for the welcome in the Sé Catedral of the mortal remains of King John II, who died in Alvor a few years earlier and was later transferred to the Monastery of Batalha. The sculptural elements present on the cross, related to death and burial, support this theory.

Religious and Cultural Significance

The Cruz de Portugal has great religious significance for the local population. There was an attempt to take it to England due to its beauty and artistic value, but the population firmly opposed it, attributing a strong religious meaning to it. People used to kneel before the cross in search of divine grace, and during Good Friday, prayers were held around it. The Silves philharmonic band frequently performed near the Cruz de Portugal.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruz_de_Portugal

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