Centenarians Cruise

Category: Religious Architecture > Stone Cross

District: Guarda > Almeida > Almeida

Location

The Centenários Cross is located in the historic area of the village of Castelo Mendo, part of the town and municipality of Almeida. This monument stands in a public space, with a slight slope, adjacent to an access road to the village, which is notable for its granite cube paving. Nearby, there is a granite stonework fountain and some benches, providing a place for a brief stop and contemplation.

A Commemorative Symbol

This cross was built in 1940 with a commemorative purpose, marking the centenaries of Portugal's foundation and the restoration of its independence. It thus represents a landmark of 20th-century Portuguese architecture, dedicated to celebrating crucial moments in national history. It is a testament to collective memory and the recognition of symbolic dates for the country.

The Structure and its Details

The Centenários Cross is a freestanding structure, entirely made of granite. It features a quadrangular base with three steps, upon which rests a cubic plinth. This plinth has a cruciform decoration on its four faces. The body of the cross consists of a parallelepiped shaft, with a profile defined by its edges, and on the East side, the date "1138" is visible.

At the top of the shaft, a cubic capital rises, where various heraldic elements are found. Notable features include the shield with the five escutcheons on one face and, on the opposite side, the coat of arms of Portugal surrounded by the seven castles. The monument is crowned by an armillary sphere, a nautical and Portuguese symbol, and by the Cross of Christ. On the remaining faces, inscriptions can be observed, one of which is partially effaced, referring to the "FUNDATION / OF ... / AND RESTORA / TION / OF PORTUGAL", and another with the date "XXVIII / 7 OF / 1940".

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