Category: Religious Architecture > Stone Cross
District: Vila Real > Boticas > Covas do Barroso > Campos
The Covas do Barroso Cross (Cruzeiro) is located in the heart of the village of Covas do Barroso, in the municipality of Boticas, situated in what can be considered its main square. This location, a central point of the village, allows for an immersion into the region's traditional atmosphere, with the cross serving as a distinctive visual landmark.
Its privileged position in the "Campos" urban area provides an authentic perspective on community life and local architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and daily life of this unique Barroso locality.
This notable granite cross was erected in 1776, as indicated by an inscription visible at its base. Its antiquity and historical and artistic value were officially recognized in 1967 when it was classified as a Property of Public Interest.
As an example of traditional religious architecture, the cross stands out for its imposing presence and its connection to the history and beliefs of the Covas do Barroso community, remaining a central element of the village's landscape for almost two and a half centuries.
The Covas do Barroso Cross is enriched by meticulous granite sculptural work. On the cross, two distinct iconographic representations can be observed. On one face, there is a Pietà, an image of Our Lady holding Christ, with a dangling arm, conveying a sense of pain and devotion.
On the opposite face, the figure of Saint Anthony is depicted standing, holding the Child Jesus, who is seated on a book. The ensemble rests on a semicircular base plinth and a column with fluting at the bottom, culminating in a composite capital that supports the globe and the cross, demonstrating the mastery of its conception.
Beyond its religious and artistic value, the cross possesses a unique feature that reflects ancient local traditions. On the steps of its base, it is possible to observe the presence of grooves that, in the past, functioned as an ingenious solar marker.
These grooves indicated the periods for the use of communal water intended for irrigation, which flowed in a nearby channel. This characteristic underscores the monument's deep connection not only to faith but also to agricultural life and the daily practices that shaped the community over the centuries.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.635456,-7.783278
Coordinates DMS: 41°38'7.6"N 07°46'59.8"W
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