Eiras Cross

Category: Religious Architecture > Stone Cross

District: Vila Real > Chaves > Castelo > Quinta do Castelo

Location and Setting

The Eiras Cruzeiro (Stone Cross) is located in Castelo, an area that is part of the ancient village of Eiras, in the municipality of Chaves. It is specifically situated in the area known as Quinta do Castelo, prominently positioned in the central square that once served as the entrance to the village.

This site is set in the rich floodplain of the Tâmega River, a fertile landscape that characterizes the Chaves region. Its location offers a glimpse of the rural setting embracing this structure, inviting a moment of peaceful observation in the heart of the community.

A Legacy of Stone and Faith

Dating back to 1650, the Eiras Cruzeiro is a remarkable example of stone art, recognized as one of the oldest and best-preserved in the region. Its structure rests on a quadrangular base, elevated by five steps, lending it an imposing presence in the surrounding space.

The column of the cruzeiro features a hexagonal shape, culminating uniquely in ornate finials adorned with the symbol of the Fleur-de-Lis, which also decorates the ends of the cross's arms. This architectural peculiarity, combined with its age, makes it a point of interest for those who appreciate the beauty and history of religious and patrimonial elements.

Memories of Pilgrimage and Nobility

This cruzeiro carries not only the weight of its centuries-old history but also the suggestion of a past linked to major routes of faith. It is believed that the site where it stands was part of one of the paths used by pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela, giving it additional symbolic value for those interested in ancient pilgrimage routes.

The presence of the Fleur-de-Lis, such a distinctive element, also points to the origins of this monument. It is thought that its construction may have been commissioned by a local noble family, the Morais Madureira Lobo, who would have included this symbol in their coat of arms, leaving their mark on the landscape and history of Eiras.

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