Tour Museo Prerrománico de San Martín de Salas

  • Audio 01

Cross of Salas

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The third cross is popularly known as the “Cross of Salas”. Its excellent state of preservation and intricate decorative work make it one of the most remarkable pieces in the collection.

The perimeter border is adorned with motifs of facing palmettes. At the center of the piece lies the Latin Cross, featuring the Alpha and Omega, with its arms crossed by a hundred slightly sunken rhomboidal cells that originally displayed polychromy in ochre, green, and reddish tones. These colors were intended to imitate the crosses crafted by Asturian-Leonese goldsmiths, which were embellished with gems and precious stones.

The epigraphy, arranged in four lines, highlights its protective nature against evil, whether from the devil or a political adversary: HOC SIGNO TUETUR PIUS, HOC SIGNO VINCITUR INIMICUS: ADEFONSVS FECIT SALVA EVM DEVS. This translates to: WITH THIS SIGN THE PIOUS ARE PROTECTED, WITH THIS SIGN THE ENEMIES ARE DEFEATED. ALFONSO DID IT, OH GOD, SAVE HIM.

The coat of arms and the flag of Asturias feature a blue background and incorporate this type of Asturian monarchy cross in yellow, adorned with the alpha and omega. The coat of arms also includes the previously mentioned protective motto.