The cruceiro: history and symbolism of a Galician icon
Tradition·28 de abril de 2025

The cruceiro: history and symbolism of a Galician icon

By granitos Escultor Carballo

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Cruceiros have been part of the Galician landscape for centuries. They stand at crossroads, churchyards and squares, marking places of passage and encounter.

A cruceiro is made up of several parts: the stepped base or platform, the pedestal, the shaft — often octagonal —, the capital and, crowning it, the cross with the calvary.

The calvary is the most demanding part: it brings together the figures of Christ, the Virgin and the saints, carved one by one. It is where the stonemason's craft is truly put to the test.

Every cruceiro is a unique piece. We design and carve each one to order, attending to its surroundings and to the story it wants to tell.

A project in mind?

Tell us about it and we will make it real in stone.

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