Category: Religious Architecture > Stone Cross
District: Évora > Arraiolos > Gafanhoeira > São Pedro
The Cross of S. Pedro da Gafanhoeira is located in the central area of the village, in São Pedro da Gafanhoeira, part of the municipality of Arraiolos. It is situated in the main square, adjacent to the parish church that gives the locality its name.
Its position in the heart of the village places it directly within the daily environment of the inhabitants, offering an easy-to-find landmark that marks the civic and religious center of the settlement.
Stone crosses (cruzeiros) are common elements in the Portuguese landscape, often associated with places of worship or important historical moments. Although available sources do not specify the exact date of its construction, the presence of this cross in the square of the Church of São Pedro da Gafanhoeira highlights the community's strong connection to its faith and its patron saint.
The village itself, originally known only as Gafanhoeira, began to incorporate "S. Pedro" into its name from the late 16th century onwards, coinciding with the construction of the parish church dedicated to this saint. The cross, as a central Christian symbol, bears witness to this history and the enduring importance of the church and its patron saint for the identity of the settlement throughout the centuries.
The cross constitutes a significant visual element in the square of the Church of S. Pedro. It is a natural stopping point for visitors to the village, inviting observation and reflection on local history and life.
Its presence contributes to the characteristic atmosphere of this public space, which serves as a meeting point and the nerve center of the village, surrounded by traditional Alentejo houses.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.74169559453937, -8.076818342406138
Coordinates DMS: 38°44'30.1"N 08°04'36.5"W