Category: Religious Architecture > Wayside Cross
District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Castelo do Neiva > Nossa Senhora das Neves
The Cruzeiro de Nossa Senhora das Neves is located in the village of Castelo do Neiva, within the municipality of Viana do Castelo. It is positioned on a small grassy roundabout, directly in front of the local Church, in the urbanisation known as Nossa Senhora das Neves. This central and visible location offers a broad perspective of the monument and its surroundings, placing it at a natural thoroughfare for those exploring the area.
This cruzeiro also has a historical and geographical connection to the Camino de Santiago, being situated on its verge, which underscores its role as a landmark for pilgrims and travellers throughout the centuries.
This notable cruzeiro dates back to the 16th century, serving as a testament to the art and devotion of that era. Originally, its position was slightly different, located about two hundred meters from the church, on a steep and difficult-to-access western slope. Its primitive location, in cultivated fields, gave it a certain air of isolation and made it vulnerable to agricultural machinery; today, a marble marker indicates its original site.
In 2003, the cruzeiro underwent a significant intervention, being moved to its current location. This decision aimed to give it greater prominence and contribute to the beautification of the square, allowing its beauty and importance to be easily appreciated by all who visit the site.
The Cruzeiro de Nossa Senhora das Neves is a beautiful example of Manueline art. It is composed of a circular base, carefully adorned with a vertical brick border. Upon this base, an elegant marble column rises, notable for its sobriety and proportion. The upper part of the column features a roped disc detail, while its base rests on an equally marble plinth.
At the top of the column, a Manueline cross, reconstructed from fragments of the original in the 1960s, crowns the ensemble. The front face of the cross is delicately decorated with an unusual intertwining pattern, evoking the image of a vine trunk. This intertwining harmoniously connects three half-open artichoke flowers, positioned at the ends of the cross's arms. On the opposite side, and beneath the artichoke flower of the vertical arm, one can observe the inscription of the initials I.N.R.I. (Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judeorum), engraved in the stone, adding a symbolic element to its aesthetic.
Beyond its architectural and artistic value, the Cruzeiro de Nossa Senhora das Neves holds deep cultural and religious significance. Its presence on the Camino de Santiago lends it an additional dimension, marking the faith and resilience of generations of pilgrims. This cruzeiro is not merely a static monument, but a converging point of histories and beliefs.
Historical documents from the 19th century mention that, in former times, a procession would depart from the local Church to encircle this cruzeiro. This custom underscores its central role in the community's traditions, solidifying its importance as a symbol of devotion and a meeting point for popular faith.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.62111205, -8.80202945
Coordinates DMS: 41°37'16.0"N 08°48'7.3"W
On-duty Pharmacy Castelo do Neiva
