Alexanderstein, Medieval cross stone in Eldagsen, Germany
The Alexanderstein is a cross stone in Eldagsen standing about 114 centimeters tall and carved from sandstone. The surface features equal-armed crosses on both sides, with two smaller crosses positioned along the shaft.
The monument dates from around 1200 and was originally placed near a gallows site along the road between Eldagsen and Alferde. The stone reflects a long medieval tradition of marking judicial and peace sites in the area.
The stone embodies medieval practices of conflict resolution and peace-making across the Lower Saxony region. People used such monuments to mark important agreements and reconciliations between communities and families.
The cross stone is now displayed at St. Alexandri Church in Eldagsen, where an information plaque explains its background. Visitors can see the original and also visit the replica placed at its original location.
The stone was stolen in 1981 but unexpectedly resurfaced in Thuringia in 2009 and returned to Eldagsen in 2013. This remarkable journey makes it a striking example of how medieval monuments can be recovered and preserved across time.
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