Redondos Pillory

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Coimbra > Figueira da Foz > Várzea > Redondos

Location

The Pillory of Redondos is located in the area of the same name, integrated into the locality of Várzea, which is part of the municipality of Figueira da Foz. Situated in the Largo do Pelourinho de Cima (Upper Pillory Square), in the upper part of the old settlement, this monument stands in a calm environment, allowing for careful observation of its structure and the surrounding space, which maintains the essence of a traditional area.

Origins and History

Erected in 1561, as per the date engraved on its finial, the Pillory of Redondos is a testament to the autonomy that this settlement enjoyed in the 16th century. At that time, Redondos was a town with its own jurisdiction (couto) and municipal council. This stone column originally served as a symbol of jurisdiction and justice, marking the place where law was applied and decisions were announced, before the definitive integration of the settlement into Figueira da Foz in the 18th century.

Architecture and Details

This 16th-century pillory is constructed from limestone ashlar, a material that gives it a light tone and remarkable durability. Its base consists of three steps, where the first is round and the others are octagonal, with gently concave sides. The column that rises is smooth and cylindrical, topped by a capital in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. On this capital, it is possible to observe an armillary sphere, a shield without a coat of arms, and the date of its erection. The structure is crowned by a small pinnacle, flanked by smaller ones at each of the angles, giving it a characteristic silhouette.

Symbol of Heritage

Currently, the Pillory of Redondos is recognized as an important historical-cultural landmark. Classified as a Property of Public Interest, its enduring presence in the urban landscape invites reflection on the region's past, functioning as a tangible link to the history of a town that once had its own judicial power. Its observation allows one to imagine the daily life of the people who lived there and the transformations that occurred over the centuries.

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