Wayside shrine at Vilariño Frío

There is a wayside shrine in the centre of the village of Vilariño Frío, in the location known as As Laixas. Positioned on a natural stone outcrop, it is constructed from rectangular stone blocks. On the top there is a large stone block with concave sides, which forms the base for a metal cross. The front has a small niche, which contains a deteriorated wooden panel depicting a scene with Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the clouds, with a group of souls below.

Wayside shrines of this type are a form small chapel usually located at crossroads, and their purpose is to accept donations that will benefit souls awaiting their release from purgatory. The believers deposit their donations into a box or slot, and these are used to fund Masses that will help those souls reach heaven. In turn, once they have arrived there, they will be able to act on behalf of their benefactors.

These simple monuments were constructed by the local stonecutters, and they tend to be decorated with representations of the unfortunate souls submerged in flames, in a position of supplication beneath their intercessor, which is usually a saint such as St Anthony, or a bishop, or Our Lady of Mount Carmel, among others.