Sanctum Marker - photo by Thomas Wright.

Photograph by © Thomas J. Wright

Cross-inscribed stone - The Monastic Village,
Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland.

Inside the gateway to the monastic city of Glendalough, is a cross-inscribed stone, which denotes the monastery as a sanctuary from the outside world.  Legend has it - once you passed this Sanctum marker entering the monastery, you were granted 90 day sanctuary, no matter what the crime.  However, on the 91st day you were cast outside the city, where the local kings could arrest you, which probably inspired some visitors to convert to a monastic lifestyle. 

 

 

 


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Credits:
Cross-inscribed stone, The Monastic Village, Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland - photo by © Thomas Wright.  This image may not be reproduced without prior written permission by the photographer.

 

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