Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Braga > Vieira do Minho > Rossas
The Pillory of Rossas is harmoniously nestled in the small and picturesque village of Rossas, part of the municipality of Vieira do Minho, in the heart of the district of Braga. Its presence marks a central point in the village's landscape, often found in a square or plaza, inviting a moment of observation and reflection on its peaceful and rural surroundings. Its location allows visitors to feel the essence of Minho life, surrounded by an atmosphere of tranquility and history.
This monument is a silent testament to a bygone era, when each municipality, or land of jurisdiction, displayed its pillory as a powerful symbol of municipal autonomy and the ability to exercise its own justice. Once erected in the center of public life, it represented the authority of local power, serving as the stage for the application of laws and, in some cases, for the execution of penalties. The Pillory of Rossas thus evokes the historical importance of the locality in the context of medieval and modern administration and law.
Constructed predominantly from granite, an abundant material in the region and synonymous with durability, the Pillory of Rossas presents a robust and dignified structure. Its base consists of a plinth of four quadrangular steps, which give it elevation and prominence in the surrounding space. Upon this base rises a column with a cylindrical shaft of sober proportions. At the top of the column, there is a simple quadrangular capital, topped by a salient cornice, where an ironwork structure rises, complementing its form and silhouette. The simplicity of its lines highlights its historical functionality.
Today, the Pillory of Rossas remains a prominent element in the local heritage, not only for its historical and architectural importance but also for its ability to connect the present to the past. Its continuous presence invites reflection on the social and legal evolution of Portugal. It is a landmark that, despite no longer fulfilling its original functions, remains a guardian of memories and a physical reminder of the identity and history of Rossas and the municipality of Vieira do Minho.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelourinho_de_Rossas
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.569860475475046, -8.10626218000957
Coordinates DMS: 41°34'11.5"N 08°06'22.5"W
On-duty Pharmacy Rossas
