Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Castelo Branco > Castelo Branco > São Vicente da Beira
The pillory stands in the heart of the village of São Vicente da Beira, next to the square known as Dr. Hipólito Raposo. It rests on a circular platform paved with Portuguese cobblestone, in a flat area delimited by historical buildings, including the old Town Hall and the Mother Church.
This sculptural landmark occupies the center of the square, standing out with its vertical silhouette in contrast to the low-rise surroundings and the traditional layout of the surrounding streets.
The Pillory of São Vicente da Beira probably dates back to the early 16th century, when D. Manuel I confirmed the village's second charter in 1512. Recognized as a Property of Public Interest since 1933, it continues to bear witness to the judicial and administrative importance of these spaces in medieval and modern times.
Throughout the centuries, it has remained isolated in the center of the public space, serving as a reference for the local community and bestowing historical identity upon the territory.
Sculpted in granite, it begins with a circular plinth of three steps, the first of which is higher, before the octagonal shaft rises. The pyramidal finial rests on the quadrangular capital, whose faces display heraldic bas-reliefs: the national coat of arms, the ship with two ravens (in allusion to São Vicente), the pelican, and the Cross of Avis.
At the top, a wrought-iron weathervane in the shape of a rooster stands out, symbolizing the passage of time and adding a point of movement to the static stone ensemble.
The pillory acts as a link between past and present, lending the square a serene but profoundly meaningful atmosphere. The cobblestone pattern and the symmetrical arrangement of the platform invite contemplative pause, allowing one to admire the piece from various angles.
For visitors, this monument represents not only a vestige of royal power and ancient justice but also a symbol of cultural continuity, set within a tranquil rural environment with a strong community character.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelourinho_de_São_Vicente_da_Beira
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.03745610892003,-7.5602299439143
Coordinates DMS: 40°02'14.8"N 07°33'36.8"W
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