Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Braga > Esposende > Esposende > Centro Histórico
The monument stands in Largo do Pelourinho, the heart of Esposende's historic centre. This small, exclusively pedestrian square is paved with small cobblestones and framed by two- to three-storey buildings with light facades and clay roofs. Granite spheres delineate the central area, keeping the pillory away from road traffic and providing a tranquil spot to observe details or take photographs.
From here, one can discern the axes leading to the old riverside front, reinforcing the connection between the urban core and the Cávado estuary.
The first pillory was likely erected in the 16th century, following the royal charter that granted municipal autonomy to Esposende. Located next to the original town hall, it symbolised local authority and the administration of justice.
Being quite degraded, it was dismantled and rebuilt in 1925 at its current location. Its status as a Public Interest Property, assigned in 1933, guarantees it legal protection and enhances its value as a testament to municipal history.
Resting on three quadrangular steps, the plinth features bossed faces. From its centre rises a simple octagonal shaft, marked halfway up by an iron ring with a loop, a remnant of the penal function associated with pillories.
The capital displays floral motifs and the Cross of Christ, while the armillary sphere finial evokes the Manueline era and Portuguese maritime tradition, underscoring Esposende's historical connection with the Atlantic.
The surroundings are characterised by a calm and essentially pedestrian rhythm. The granite of the column contrasts with the plastered walls of the adjacent buildings, highlighting the monument's silhouette.
At night, public lighting shines directly on the shaft, emphasising the sculpted details and creating a scenic effect that subtly enlivens the historic heart of the town.
The armillary sphere, a favourite symbol of King Manuel I, associates the pillory with the Manueline period, even though the finial was added during the 20th-century reconstruction. This element reinforces the monument's symbolic value and the memory of the era when Esposende served as a support point for coastal navigations.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelourinho_de_Esposende
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.529579361479364,-8.77964235910504
Coordinates DMS: 41°31'46.5"N 08°46'46.7"W
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