The stone cross consists of a shaft, a capital and a cross, and was built in the 18th century. Its origins remind us of the legend of Pretinho, according to which the stone cross belonged to the Casa do Paço (which no longer exists), occupied by a noble family who had a black squire, a devotee of Senhor do Cruzeiro. The family had no descendents so when the last of the noble women died, the “little black squire” stayed in the manor house. Living alone in this enormous house, he would often go to the stone cross to pray and cry for his noble ladies. Even when the young men went out to have fun in the evenings, as soon as they walked by the stone cross and saw the “little black” squire on his knee, they all remained silent and respected his prayer. One morning, the “little black” squire was found dead next to the stone cross covered in blood but no visible wounds. Since then, the popular legend gave the noble women’s squire the reputation of being holy.
Location: Paredes de Coura
Location: Paredes de Coura
