Silves: Cruz de Portugal
The so called "Cross of Portugal" in Silves has been erected in the last querater of the 15th. Century
The stone cross in floral Gothic style with several Manueline elements was classified as "National Monument" in 1920. As a landmark of the city of Silves it was placed at various positions, e.g. near the cathedral, before it was removed to its actual location on the eastern exit of Silves on the N12 to Messines in 1957. Some sources believe that it was a donation of King Manuel I, when he visited Silves in 1499 as appreciation of the fact that the city had hosted the dead body of King João II, who deceased some years ago in Alvor, before it was transferred to the monastery of Batalha.
