Pillory of Messejana

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Beja > Aljustrel > Messejana > Bairro de São Brás

Location

The Pillory of Messejana is located in the parish of Messejana, in the municipality of Aljustrel, in the Alentejo region of Portugal.

Architectural Style

The monument is a representation of the Manueline style, with evidence of having been built in the 16th century.

Historical Significance

The Pillory of Messejana is a testament to the period when the town enjoyed municipal autonomy and is considered one of the main monuments in the region.

Physical Characteristics

It consists of a Manueline column made of white marble, decorated with a sphere and an iron cross. The marble was probably extracted from the quarries of Trigaches, in the municipality of Beja.

Structure

It has an octagonal base with a fluted shaft and a capital adorned with half spheres. The finial is a conical pinnacle adorned with torsal rings. Currently, it has five steps.

History

The Pillory was probably erected in the 16th century, after the charter was granted on July 1, 1512 by D. Manuel I. During the Liberal Wars, it was moved behind the clock tower to allow bullfights in the square. In 1853, the municipality of Messejana was extinguished. In the 20th century, the pillory was placed back in the square and received new quadrangular steps.

Classification and Protection

It was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1933. In 2003, a special protection zone was established to preserve not only the pillory, but also other nearby historic buildings.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelourinho_de_Messejana