Cruz de la Parra

The Cruz de la Parra (Spanish for: " Cross the vine" ) is a wooden cross that Christopher Columbus has built during his first voyage of discovery on December 1, 1492 at the site of the present city of Baracoa, Cuba. For a long time it was considered lost until it was found again under a vine. Today it is housed in the Church " Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Asunción ." The church is not open on a regular basis, but can be viewed by appointment with the clerk.

At the historic site, Christopher Columbus " Puerto Santo " called the, today you can see a replica of the cross. It is located below the " Hotel Porto Santo " at the " Bahía de Miel ". In his journal he wrote later: " On a pile of rocks next to the entrance to the harbor, which is protected by its south-east entrance of a headland, I had built a large cross. [ ...] I stabbed with a moderate wind at sea and left the anchorage, which I had given the name of Puerto Santo. "

The " Cruz de la Parra " is considered the oldest Christian symbol in the New World. Of the 29 of Christopher Columbus erected in America crosses, this is the only preserved. The corners of the cross are now equipped with metal fittings, as the faithful pulled out some slate from the wooden cross and worshiped as a private relics.