Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Évora > Vila Viçosa > Vila Viçosa > Nossa Senhora da Conceição e São Bartolomeu
The Pillory of Vila Viçosa stands in the very historical heart of the town, in one of its most emblematic and central spaces. Its presence marks an essential landmark in the urban landscape, immersed in the tranquil and history-rich atmosphere that characterizes this renowned Alentejo locality. The surroundings are marked by the region's traditional architecture, inviting contemplation of the past that feels alive there.
This notable monument is a silent testament to Vila Viçosa's ancient autonomy and municipal importance. Pillories, in times past, were the visible symbol of local justice and royal power, marking the places where laws were publicly proclaimed and, at times, where sentences were carried out. Its erection signified the granting of a charter (foral) to the locality, a document that assigned rights and duties to its inhabitants and granted the town the prerogative to govern itself.
The existence of the Vila Viçosa Pillory thus underscores the town's historical relevance as a municipal seat (concelho) and a central point of regional governance. It is a tangible link to a past where community life and the administration of justice unfolded in the public square, in full view of everyone.
Built of stone, the Pillory of Vila Viçosa presents itself as a column rising from a solid base, culminating in a characteristic capital and finial. Its form and architectural details, although they may vary in detail according to the period of its construction, fit within the classical typology of these civil structures, demonstrating the mastery of the artisans of that time.
Every element of the pillory, from its robust plinth to its summit, contributes to its imposing presence and the richness of its architectural legacy, representing a significant example of Alentejo's historical civil architecture. Its stone, polished by time and the elements, reflects the durability of a structure designed to endure and to symbolize authority and order.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficheiro:Pelourinho_de_Vila_Viçosa_-_Portugal_(9039402929).jpg
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.78047070183172,-7.416967931526409
Coordinates DMS: 38°46'49.7"N 07°25'1.1"W
Weather Vila Viçosa
On-duty Pharmacy Vila Viçosa
