Pillory of Coimbra

Location

- It is located in Praça do Comércio, in front of the Church of São Bartolomeu, in the parish of Coimbra (Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu).

Classification

- Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1933.

Historical Function

- Originally, it symbolized jurisdiction and authority, being used to expose and punish convicts.

- Subsequently, it was used to hang edicts.

History

- Initially, it was located in the churchyard of Sé Velha, next to the "Vodo" House.

- Transferred to Praça do Comércio in 1498.

- In 1611, it was moved to Largo da Portagem and adapted as a fountain.

- Removed and stored in 1836, it remained stored until 1984.

- Only the original pinnacle was preserved, being in the National Museum Machado de Castro.

- The current pillory is a reconstruction based on an engraving of the time, made in the 1980s and installed in 1984.

Architectural Characteristics

- Manueline style, with a smooth stone column on three steps of the same material.

- It has four iron hooks in a cross shape next to the capital.

- At the top, an armillary sphere crowned by a Cross of Christ.

- The current pinnacle is by Pompeu Aroso, created in 1984.