Krzyż Pokutny
Facts and practical information
The penitential cross in Stargard is located at the junction of the roads leading to Chociwel and Maszewo, on the left side of the road, about 1 kilometer east of the Wałowa Gate. It is the largest penitential cross in Europe and the second largest in the world.
It was made in a local workshop from a single block of Gotland or Portland limestone. Its total height is 3.77 meters, and thickness is 15 cm. The cross weighs about 2 tons. Limestone consists mainly of calcite, accessory to clay substance and amorphous free silica. A boat fossil is visible in the structure of the limestone at the site of the inscription.
The obverse of the cross bears a high-quality image of the crucified Christ and an inscription in Lower German: God be merciful to Hans Billeke, year 1542.
On the reverse side of the cross there is an inscription which is variously translated in Polish literature e.g.: In 1542 Hans Billeke was killed with an iron rod by Lorentz Mader - his mother's sister's son or: In 1542 Hans Billeke finally murdered his nephew's murderer with an iron axe.
At the turn of 2004/2005 the cross underwent a thorough conservation to stop the deterioration of the limestone, restore the legibility of the inscription and relief, and protect the object for the future.
Western Pomeranian
Western Pomeranian