Segunda Cruz de Piedra

Hidden beneath the Arco de la Reina, the Segunda Cruz de Piedra whispers tales of Quito’s captivating past. The Segunda Cruz de Piedra isn’t just a stone cross. It’s a symbol, a landmark, and a silent witness to centuries of history. Located on what is now Rocafuerte Street, the cross stands near the Carmen Alto Monastery. This site once offered shelter to the devout who gathered before a small chapel. The very placement of the Segunda Cruz de Piedra speaks volumes. It marks a point of transition, a bridge between the sacred and the secular. The Arco de la Reina itself is a testament to the city’s devotion. Authorized by the city council in 1726, the arch shielded worshippers from the elements as they prayed at the tiny chapel of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles. Imagine devout Mariana de Jesús, following mass from her nearby home, her gaze drawn to the cross beneath the arch. The Segunda Cruz de Piedra, however, holds a mystery. Its origins are uncertain. Was it part of the original seven crosses, or added later? Some historians even debate whether the “Street of the Seven Crosses” referred to crosses at all, or perhaps to seven “humilladeros,” places of reverence. The cross’s connection to the Carmen Alto Monastery adds another layer of intrigue. This is one of only six remaining nunneries in Quito, a quiet sanctuary amidst the bustling city. Today, beneath the Arco de la Reina, you’ll find the entrance to the Carmen Alto Museum. Across the street stands the Museo de la Ciudad, showcasing Quito’s vibrant history. The Segunda Cruz de Piedra stands as a reminder of the city’s enduring faith and the intertwining of history and spirituality in Quito. The cross, once a simple marker, has become an integral part of the city’s story. It beckons us to explore the depths of Quito’s past and discover the secrets hidden within its ancient streets.