This cross in front of Down Cathedral is a precise replica of the original cross who has been moved to the Down Museum next to the Cathedral.
This replica was put in place on April 16th, 2014, and was reproduced using scanning technology.
We came here for the first time on September 11th, 2003, when the original cross was still in place.
The cross is aligned northeast-southwest (65°-245°). The cross is 2.21 metres high, 37 centimetres wide at the shaft and 1.13 metres wide at the arms and 23 centimetres thick. It stands on a stone base in the shape of a truncated pyramid which is 1.05 metres tall, for a total height of 3.26 metres.
The northeast face shows a crucifixion on its head.
The shaft is divided in three panels which seems to show unusual scenes from the Bible referring to the early life of Virgin Mary.
The opposite face is even more worn out and any interpretation is difficult.
The sides bear interlaced patterns.
In the vestibule of the Cathedral, three interesting fragments from two ancient crosses can be seen, along with a fragment of a pre-Norman grave and a fragment of a moulding from the archway of a church in the medieval monastery.
Inside the Cathedral, set into a wall of the shop, there are two 12th century crosses depicting St. Patrick.
|