La Cruz de Benidorm, Summit cross at Sierra Gelada Natural Park, Spain.
La Cruz de Benidorm is a metal cross standing at 438 meters above sea level on a mountain peak within Sierra Gelada Natural Park. From this vantage point, visitors can see the city, its beaches, and the Mediterranean coastline stretching along the horizon.
The first wooden cross was brought to the mountain in 1961 by San Jaime Church as a visible marker of faith. The present metal structure was installed in 1975 and was constructed from repurposed railway tracks, giving it its distinctive appearance.
The cross was established by the community to express religious values during a time of shifting social practices, and it remains a place where visitors connect faith with the surrounding landscape.
Reaching the cross requires hiking up steep stairs and pathways, as vehicles are not permitted in this area. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy footwear, since no facilities or refreshment stands are available along the way.
The cross was built from reclaimed railway tracks, giving it a sturdy and industrial character that contrasts with the natural mountain setting. This unusual material choice reflects the resourcefulness of those who constructed it.
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