Historic Camino Crosses recognized as Heritage
The Valença City Council has approved the process of classifying two emblematic crosses of the Camino de Santiago as Municipal Heritage: Cruzeiro do Senhor dos Aflitos (Cross of the Lord of the Afflicted) and Cruzeiro do Senhor dos Caminhos (Cross of the Lord of the Ways), both located in Fontoura.
These crosses are symbolic landmarks of the Camino route and testimonies to the historical and spiritual significance of the journey. The Cruzeiro do Senhor dos Caminhos stands out as a symbol of protection and faith for pilgrims, representing one of the most distinctive elements of this ancient itinerary. Meanwhile, the Cruzeiro do Senhor dos Aflitos is remarkable for its carved elements, prominently featuring the pilgrim’s staff and the scallop shell—key symbols of the spirituality associated with Santiago.
In addition to the crosses, the city council also approved the classification of six earthwork bastion forts from the Restoration Wars, structures that played a strategic role in defending the border and providing complementary protection to the Valença Fortress. These include Forte de São Jorge (Fort of Saint George) in Silva, Forte de São Luís Gonzaga (Fort of Saint Louis Gonzaga) in São Pedro da Torre, Forte do Tuído (Fort of Tuído) in Gandra, Forte de São Francisco (Fort of Saint Francis) in Balagota (Gandra), Forte de Belém (Fort of Bethlehem) in Arão, and Forte da Gingleta (Fort of Gingleta) in Verdoejo. Though less well known than Valença’s main fortress, these forts were essential to 17th-century military strategy.
The classification process follows a meticulous inventory effort, which included topographic surveys and the use of Lidar technology to obtain detailed readings of the terrain and fortified structures. With the consent of property owners, interventions allowed for partial and total site clearances, facilitating the study and preservation of their original forms.
With this measure, the Valença City Council aims to strengthen the historical and cultural identity of the region, ensuring the protection and promotion of its heritage. The creation of protection zones, planned within the revision of the Plano Diretor Municipal (municipal development plan), could pave the way for future restoration efforts, integration into heritage routes, and increased tourism promotion of these classified sites. This initiative also contributes to preserving the heritage associated with the Camino de Santiago, reinforcing the identity of the route and its historical legacy for future generations.
