Andrew is said to have been martyred by crucifixion at the city of Patras in Achaea. Early texts describe Andrew as bound, not nailed, to a cross.  A tradition developed that Andrew had been crucified on a cross of the form called crux decussata, or an X-shaped cross called a “saltire,” now commonly known as a “Saint Andrew’s Cross.”   Supposedly he requested to be crucified on a cross in an X-shape, because he deemed himself unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross as Jesus.

According to the owner, Andreas, — who was born in Partenkirchen in 1943 — he and his wife built this house on his parents’ property in 1973/74. He commissioned the well-known painter Gerhard Ester to create this picture of “St. Andreas” in memory of his father, who was also named Andreas.¹