Category: Religious Architecture > Wayside Cross
District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Castelo do Neiva
The Cruzeiro de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe Wayside Cross) is located in Castelo do Neiva, one of the parishes that make up the municipality of Viana do Castelo. Integrated into the Minho landscape, this wayside cross is a landmark in the area, bearing witness to the daily life of the community.
Its position, typical of many wayside crosses, allows it to be easily observed by passers-by, integrated into the characteristic urban and rural surroundings of this northern Portuguese coastal area.
Wayside crosses are prominent monuments in the Portuguese landscape, serving as testimonies of popular faith and devotion. The Cruzeiro de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, dedicated to this Marian figure, represents a focal point of spirituality and a gathering point for the community of Castelo do Neiva.
Its presence invites introspection and an understanding of local traditions, reflecting a cultural and religious heritage that remains alive and is an integral part of the region's identity.
This wayside cross is an example of the simplicity and robustness that characterize popular religious architecture. Built of stone, its structure is traditional, featuring a solid base supporting a shaft (column) and, at the top, the cross that gives it its name.
Although its aesthetic is unadorned, the beauty of the Cruzeiro de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe lies in its sobriety and how it harmonizes with the surrounding environment. It is a piece that endures through time, silently telling, in its own way, the story of a place and its people.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.6156195, -8.793273025
Coordinates DMS: 41°36'56.2"N 08°47'35.8"W