Pillory of Monsaraz

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Évora > Reguengos de Monsaraz > Monsaraz

Location

The Pillory of Monsaraz is prominently located in the heart of the picturesque medieval village of Monsaraz, in the district of Évora, municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz. Standing in the Largo do Corro, its central position in the main square of the village ensures that this monument is a focal point, surrounded by the traditional stone houses and the imposing walls that characterize this remarkable Alentejo settlement.

Its presence in the public space is striking, framed by the serene and historic atmosphere of Monsaraz, allowing for a detailed observation of its structure and its setting within the village's urban landscape.

History and Symbolism

The Pillory of Monsaraz is an architectural and symbolic testament to an era when these monuments were the epicentre of the legal and administrative life of towns and cities. The original pillory dates back to the 16th century, a time when its construction was intrinsically linked to the granting or renewal of the 'forais' (charters), royal documents that conferred municipal autonomy and specific rights to localities.

After the 1755 Earthquake, the monument was rebuilt in the 18th century, maintaining its relevance in the village centre. As was common at the time, this urban element represented the jurisdiction and autonomy of Monsaraz, reflecting royal authority and the municipal power to administer justice. It was the place where edicts were published and public punishments were carried out, serving as a visible symbol of established power and social order in the village.

Architectural Features

The Pillory of Monsaraz presents an architectural typology that reflects the Gothic and Manueline styles, prevalent at the time of its original construction, and elements from its 18th-century reconstruction. It rests on a stepped base, from which a robust and elegantly crafted cylindrical shaft rises.

At the top of the column, there is an artistically decorated capital, from which four arms or crosiers extend to support the upper part of the monument. Crowning the structure is an armillary sphere, a heraldic emblem associated with King Manuel I, which symbolizes the Portuguese maritime expansion, and which is in turn topped by a cross. Its sobriety and the quality of the stonework used give it a unique beauty and an imposing presence in Monsaraz's main square.

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