Category: Civil Architecture > Gallows
District: Bragança > Vila Flor > Freixiel > Vieiro
Located in the picturesque village of Freixiel, an integral part of the municipality of Vila Flor and situated in the district of Bragança, the Old Gallows of Freixiel is more specifically found in the area known as Vieiro. This site is set in a typical rural environment of Northeast Trás-os-Montes, characterized by serene landscapes and an atmosphere that evokes the traditions and way of life of yesteryear. Its location offers visitors a perspective of the surrounding village, revealing the region's simplicity and natural beauty, while also inviting reflection on its historical purpose.
The Old Gallows of Freixiel is a singular element in the cultural landscape of this region, representing a vestige of past times when the administration of public justice took distinct forms. Although its exact construction date cannot be precisely determined, these landmarks were commonly erected from the 16th century onwards, becoming visible symbols of municipal authority and established powers. Its existence underscores the autonomy and importance that the village of Freixiel held in earlier times, serving as a pillar of law and order in the community.
In its essence, the Old Gallows of Freixiel is a sober and imposing stone structure that once served as a place for the application of criminal justice. These monuments, often consisting of a column or a set of pillars, were strategically located at the entrance or on the outskirts of settlements, ensuring maximum visibility and, consequently, serving as a public warning. Its presence reminds us of a period when corporal and capital punishment was an explicit facet of the legal system, functioning as an element of social control and a demonstration of local judicial power. Visiting this site is to delve into a fragment of Portugal's legal and social history.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiga_Forca_de_Freixiel
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.31679550228063, -7.238829094176112
Coordinates DMS: 41°19'0.5"N 07°14'19.8"W
On-duty Pharmacy Freixiel
