Cruz de Portugal, Silves - Portugal
Posted by: 
manchanegra
N 37° 11.668 W 008° 25.940
29S E 550380 N 4116596
Cruz de Portugal is a Gothic-Manueline Cross scultured in Limestone with approximately 3 meters of height, from the XV century.
Waymark Code: WM39AG
Location: Portugal
Date Posted: 02/29/2008
Views: 55
Cruz de Portugal is a Gothic-Manueline Cross scultured in Limestone with approximately 3 meters of height, from the XV century.
In soft Limestone of unknown origin you can see in one face the Pietá and on the other Christ on the Cross.
This cross can be compared to others that can be found in Portugal (they were built at the entrance of the cities), but, it´s for sure one of the most beautifull of the country, specially because of his Gothic Manueline style. This, and his name increases the probability that the cross came from a bigger town like Lisbon.
Cruz de Portugal (Cross of Portugal) probably a gift from the Kingdom of Portugal to the Kingdom of the Algarve, or because it´s located on the road that led to the Algarve in ancient times (Silves was the capital of the Algarve for centuries).
It´s also possible that it was an offer to the town by King D. Manuel in 1499 when he came to Silves to take the body of his brother in law and cousin, former King D. João II to Lisbon.
It´s style, even if it´s a very popular Gothic Manueline, finds no rival in other works in Silves or in the region. The most able master with recognized work in Alvor, Estombar and Silves (Misericordia Church) as a diferent style and it doesn´t seem to be the author of this cross.
Adapted from the text of Manuel Castelo Ramos in (
visit link)
There are some doubts about the year the cross was built.
The information i could find refers that the cross was probably build in 1499, but, on the statue there are two dates 1004 (or 1804) and 1824 that don´t match with the style used.
Gothic Manueline style was very used in the XV century so untill further proofs we will believe that the church was built at this time.