The votive capital, votive aedicule or votive pillar is a small architectural structure in the Christian tradition that has its origins in a popular cult passed down through generations. Typically, these capitals are erected as votive offerings to express gratitude for deliverance from imminent dangers like famines or plagues. However, they also serve as focal points where Christian communities can join together and pray.
They were built at border locations, crossroads, on passes or in places where popular tradition identified a religious reason for their construction.
Until the mid-20th century and, in certain parishes, even into the 21st century, they remained a focal point for the celebration of Rogations, processions carried out to ask for divine protection against storm damage.