This object is a granite column with a carved cross-shaped top.
A few possibilities:
Rollo de justicia (Pillory)
In medieval Spain, these stone columns were placed in towns with certain jurisdictional rights, symbolizing the authority to administer justice. They often had a cross or hooks on top (to hang chains or symbols of punishment). The cross-shaped carving could be the remains of such a design.
Base for a stone cross or cruceiro
The cross-shaped cavity on the top may have supported a wooden or stone cross. These were often placed outside churches, monasteries, or at road junctions as devotional landmarks.
Holy water stoup / liturgical function (less likely outdoors)
The top could have been carved to hold holy water or oil, but given its placement against the wall outside, this seems less probable.
Since this is in Cáceres, where many medieval and Roman remains were reused, it’s possible this is a repurposed Roman column base later adapted as a cross pedestal in the Christian period.
PALRA
136299
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
—
PALRA
136555
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
—
PALRA
136044
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
The carving inside the Palacio Episcopal de Cáceres shows a pair of crossed keys. This is a very common Christian symbol, especially associated with San Pedro (Saint Peter).
In Christian tradition, Saint Peter was given the “keys of the Kingdom of Heaven” by Christ (Matthew 16:19). The crossed keys (one gold, one silver, though not visible in wood carvings) became the emblem of the papacy and also appear often in cathedrals, episcopal palaces, and churches dedicated to San Pedro.
In Cáceres, where the church and episcopal authority were historically strong, it makes sense this symbol would appear carved into choir stalls, doors, or wooden panels as a mark of ecclesiastical power and connection to Saint Peter.
PALRA
136300
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
—
PALRA
136556
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
—
PALRA
136045
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
—
PALRA
136301
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
Left plaque (ceramic street sign)
Language: Spanish
Text: “CALLE ADARVE DEL PADRE ROSALÍO”
This is the street name. “Adarve” refers to a walled passage or alley, typical of medieval towns. Padre Rosalío is a local religious figure commemorated here.
Right plaque (metallic commemorative plaque)
Language: Spanish
Though partly blurred, the inscription refers to the restoration of the old quarter (Ciudad Antigua de Cáceres), mentioning the Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad (World Cultural Heritage) designation by UNESCO.
It includes a date: November 1986, which is when Cáceres was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lingscape
