Part of the cross on which Jesus was crucified is shown in Lisbon

“The Santo Leño is a small wooden rectangle about two centimeters high,” explains Luis Almeida, coordinator of Lisbon’s cultural sites, including the church of Santa Cruz do Castelo de São Jorge. It is believed that this relic was brought to Lisbon when the city was recaptured from the Moors in 1147 by the Crusaders of Flanders during the Second Crusade. The relic was presented to D. Afonso Henriques during the consecration of the church.

The Santo Legno was kept in the vault of the parish of the Church of Santa Cruz do Castelo and was exhibited twice a year: in September in honor of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and in May in the Chagas Christ.

“This is a unique example of a religious cult, located in the central nave, in a separate niche. The exhibition requires security measures,” explains Luis Almeida. “The church was closed for 30 years. The Santo Legno exhibition is part of a project to promote this space,” he adds.

DETAILS

golden silver

Saint Lenho is contained in a gilded silver reliquary made in Bruges (Belgium) around 1450.

floral cross

The reliquary consists of a hexagonal base, a foot with architectural elements, a floral cross and a casket.

gems

The Santo Legno reliquary measures about 60 centimeters. It contains about 20 precious and semi-precious stones.