Pillory of Ázere

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Coimbra > Tábua > Ázere

Location

The Pillory of Ázere stands prominently in the heart of the town, more precisely in the main square, Largo do Pelourinho, in Ázere, in the municipality of Tábua. Its central position gives it a prominent role in the village's urban landscape, serving as a landmark for those who visit this picturesque place. It is located in an area that evokes the history and rurality of the region, blending into the peaceful atmosphere of the Coimbra district.

History and Symbolism

Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1933, the Pillory of Ázere is a historical landmark of great importance to the region. In the past, these structures were visible symbols of municipal autonomy and justice, serving as places where justice was administered, criminals were displayed, and new charters or laws were proclaimed. It thus represents a silent witness to the local administration and community life that unfolded in Ázere over the centuries.

Its presence evokes an era when power and order were physically represented in the public space. This pillory preserves the memory of a past where the daily life of the community revolved around such elements, underscoring its fundamental role in the social and political structure of the lands of Tábua.

Architectural Elements

With a robust and unique appearance, the Pillory of Ázere boasts a composition that evokes the artistic richness of the Manueline period, featuring distinctive elements. Its base rises from a quadrangular socle of three steps, which ascend to a cubic plinth adorned with carved spheres at each of its corners. The octagonal shaft rises elegantly and is crowned by an elaborate armillary sphere, an emblematic symbol of the Age of Discovery and royal sovereignty that often topped these landmarks.

The precision of its stonework and the ornamental details of the sphere, which connects harmoniously with the capital, reflect the mastery and artistic trends of the transition to the Renaissance, defining characteristics of Portuguese civil monuments from this period.

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

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt