Memorial cross

These are maintained for shorter or longer periods of time and decorated e.g. with flowers or candles.

In South Germany, especially in Bavaria, memorial crosses exist for those who died several generations ago.

These roadside memorial crosses should not be confused with wayside crosses, which are erected in the Bavarian region on the edge of paths and tracks, and are there simply to give walkers the opportunity to say a short prayer.

Other memorial crosses commemorate war dead and victims of terrorism.

The tallest memorial cross in the world at 152.4 metres is the Monumento Nacional de Santa Cruz del Valle de los Caidos near El Escorial in Spain.