Stone crosses and escutcheon in Redueña (Madrid)

The Madrid-based municipality of Redueña is preserving two crossings made up of separate crosses erected on columns. Of different quality and size, one is located on the outskirts of the town, next to the cemetery, whereas the other remains next to the parish church. The works carried out focused on restoring both crossings, and an escutcheon conserved in the town, which, after restoration, is on display inside the town’s multi-use building.

The works undertaken included documentation tasks for the conservation status, degradation process identification, and application of all the treatments necessary for the correct conservation of these three sculptural elements.

The most complex conservation action involved removing the crossing inserted in the cemetery wall. Only the upper part of the column shaft, its capital, dated to the 18th century, and the crowing Gothic cross were observed. The partial demolition of the wall was necessary for this, along with the removal of the crossing. The disassembly was done in parts to ensure overall conservation. After the restoration works, and the erection of a brick and concrete pedestal, with cement-lime plaster to hold the crossing, its different elements were re-assembled. The wall was partially erected, and the cemetery closure was completed via an iron-profile metal structure, which allows not only the inner cemetery security to be guaranteed, but also the crossing reading.

Regarding the crossing conserved next to the parish church, the shaft and cross were restored, and the lost verticality was recovered following the differential seat of the podium it was supported on.