Cross of the Angels facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cross of the Angels |
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| Spanish: Cruz de los Ángeles | |
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| Year | 808 |
| Type | gold work |
| Dimensions | 46.5 cm × 45.7 cm × 2.5 cm (18.3 in × 18.0 in × 0.98 in) |
| Location | Cámara Santa, Oviedo |
The Cross of the Angels (also known as Cruz de los Ángeles in Spanish) is a very old and special cross. It was given to the Church of San Salvador in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain, in the year 808. This gift was from Alfonso II of Asturias, who was a king. Today, the Cross of the Angels is an important symbol for the city of Oviedo.
This cross is one of the oldest pieces of jewelry from the Kingdom of Asturias that we can still see. It looks like a Greek cross, which means all its arms are the same length. It is made from two pieces of cedar wood. In the middle, it has a round disc. The cross is about 46.5 centimeters (18.3 inches) tall and 45.7 centimeters (18 inches) wide. It is also 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) thick.
The cross was damaged in 1977 during a robbery. But don't worry, it was carefully put back together. Now it looks just as it should.
History of the Cross
King Alfonso II gave this cross to the church in 808. People believe he gave it as a thank-you gift. He had been put in prison for some time. When he got his throne back, he wanted to show his gratitude. This gift was a way to celebrate his return to power.
What is a Reliquary?
The Cross of the Angels is a type of object called a reliquary. A reliquary is a special container. It is used to hold holy objects or parts of saints. This cross was made with great care and skill. It shows the amazing gold work from that time.
The cross has a special message written on it. It says:
Let this be welcomed with joy in honor of God. Alfonso, humble servant of Christ, offers it. With this sign, the faithful are protected. With this sign, the enemy is defeated. Whoever dares to take me, unless by my free will, shall be struck down by divine lightning. This work was finished in the year 846 (of the Spanish Era).
The sides of the cross still have rings. From these rings hang chains with pearls and precious stones. These hanging decorations are called pendilia. You can see similar decorations on other old crosses. For example, the Treasure of Guarrazar has similar crowns and crosses.
Symbol of Oviedo City
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The Cross of the Angels became a very important symbol for the city of Oviedo. This happened around the 1400s. Some people say it was used as the city's seal even earlier, in 1262.
You can see this on an old engraving in the city walls. The cross is shown with the Greek letters alpha and omega hanging from its arms. These letters are often used as a sign of something holy. Today, the Cross of the Angels is on the coat of arms (the official symbol) of Oviedo city. It is also on the symbol of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oviedo.
See also
In Spanish: Cruz de los Ángeles para niños
