Santiago Peregrino and San Roque Wayside Cross

The Wayside Cross of Santiago Peregrino and San Roque is one of the most distinctive heritage elements of Soutelo de Montes, a locality belonging to the parish of Santa María Madanela in the municipality of Forcarei. This wayside cross forms part of the historical and cultural landscape of the area, historically linked to ancient routes of passage and pilgrimage that crossed inland Galicia. Its presence in the surroundings of Soutelo — a place that traditionally hosted markets, fairs and community activities — recalls the traditional role of these stone sculptures as spiritual landmarks for walkers and local inhabitants.

The cross rises on a stone shaft set on several steps, following the traditional typology of Galician wayside crosses, and stands out for its iconographic value and its connection with the local Jacobean tradition. It depicts the figures of Saint James the Pilgrim and Saint Roch, both saints traditionally associated with the protection of those who travelled along old routes such as the Camiño Miñoto Ribeiro, which connected inland territories with Santiago de Compostela and passes through the area of Soutelo de Montes.

Beyond its religious function, the wayside cross is part of the local identity and traditions of Soutelo de Montes, set within an environment where traditional festivities, such as those dedicated to Saint Roch and the Virgin of Carmen, continue to bring the community together around elements that combine religious tradition and cultural heritage. Situated in a rural setting with deep-rooted traditions, the wayside cross keeps alive the memory of the ancient paths and the popular devotion that shaped the life of this region for centuries.