Category: Religious Architecture > Stone Cross
District: Leiria > Óbidos > Óbidos > Santa Maria, São Pedro e Sobral da Lagoa
The Cruzeiro da Misericórdia of Óbidos is located in Largo da Misericórdia, a public area situated in the historic heart of the town. Its position is striking, located at a confluence of accesses and pedestrian paths that structure this part of Óbidos. Its presence adds to the traditional and timeless atmosphere of the place, typical of the town's architecture and urban layout.
This cruzeiro, dating from the 17th century, is a limestone structure that rises from a small platform with a step. The base supporting the cross is quadrangular, with its tops shaped trapezoidally where the cross rests. On the north face of the base, an inscription marks the year 1690, the date of its erection.
The cross itself is of simple Latin style, formed by two austere and solid stone lintels that intersect. Its robust composition, in harmony with the material used, reflects the construction technique of the era and the simplicity of public devotional pieces.
Erected during a period of remodelling and reorganization of the town's public spaces, the Cruzeiro da Misericórdia testifies to the urban transformations of Óbidos in the second half of the 17th century. Originally with a religious function, maintaining that vocation to this day, the cruzeiro serves as a point of reflection and a historical landmark.
Its presence in this square refers to the importance of faith and community in the town's history, inviting a moment of contemplation on Óbidos' past and identity. It is an element that, by its simplicity and antiquity, contributes to the evocative atmosphere of the historic centre.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.361644958724405, -9.156891450113752
Coordinates DMS: 39°21'41.9"N 09°09'24.8"W
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