Have you ever noticed that there are crosses or monuments on the tops of some mountains or hills near cities? I have seen several; where we now live, there is a cross on the top of the nearest mountain, but we haven't visited it in person yet. I have seen them from afar in other places too (I know there are chapels and cemeteries there), but there is one cross I have already visited a few times. I did so today as well, with great pleasure, although I must confess I forgot that the path you have to take to climb this side of Sierra Helada is quite steep.
But there I was, happy for the opportunity I had the time today to do it and achieve it once again: reaching the cross of Benidorm and seeing the city from the perspective seen by the seagulls flying by.
In reality, I didn't know the reason why our ancestors began to place monuments and crosses in such high places near towns. I found a fact that says this became quite common in the late 19th century, at the suggestion of a pope (Pope Leo XIII). It seems he proposed erecting crosses on high places like hills to commemorate the beginning of the new 20th century.
The cross in Benidorm, however, was placed there on the mountain for another reason and much later, in 1961. This town was a small coastal village that lived off fishing, but times changed.
When foreigners discovered the sun in this area... everything changed, and the small fishing village was transformed into a city of skyscrapers. Sometimes they call it BeniYork. Everything can be found here.. good and bad things, and this was already noticeable sixty years ago. To redeem the city from its frivolous reputation, the people of Benidorm carried a huge cross (which was made of wood) on their shoulders to this place. It was difficult for me to climb it without anything, but with a cross on my shoulders, I imagine it would be more difficult.
However, it is worth the climb because the view at the end is beautiful, but so is the entire route.
The Easter holidays started for some provinces in Spain. More tourists came to this area to enjoy these days. I saw many families climbing and admiring the views, as well as cyclists and people jogging uphill. I have always found it difficult... I don't know how they can run uphill. For me, a slow walking pace was enough. 😆
As one bench suggested, Benidorm te espera (Benidorm is waiting for you) I will also give a small tip - if you happen to visit this city one day (I know, you must heard different things about it, probably bad ones), add this little walk to the cross into your schedule. Not because of the cross itself, which is not a special thing to see, but the views you can get from this route.
