Pillory of Freixo de Numão

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Guarda > Vila Nova de Foz Côa > Freixo de Numão > Largo Detrás da Igreja

Location

The Pillory of Freixo de Numão is majestically situated in the Square Behind the Church, in the heart of the picturesque locality of Freixo de Numão. This picturesque square, part of the municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, in the district of Guarda, positions the pillory in a historical and serene environment, typical of many Portuguese villages.

Its location invites a careful observation of the structure, framed by the surrounding traditional architecture and its proximity to the church, a central point of community life throughout the centuries. The pillory stands as a landmark in the center of the village, easily accessible and visible, inviting contemplation of its historical significance.

History and Symbolism

Dating from a period when towns and localities gained their charters and autonomy, the Pillory of Freixo de Numão is a tangible symbol of municipal power and the administration of justice. These stone structures were erected in public squares to serve as a place of exhibition and, at times, application of punishments, thus representing municipal authority and jurisdiction. Its presence in Freixo de Numão recalls the rights and duties that governed local life in times past, marking a historical reference point in the urban fabric of the locality.

Over the centuries, the pillory has witnessed the evolution of the community, remaining an element of collective memory. Its imposing presence, even in the simplicity of its form, evokes a time when it was the center of decisions and public order, serving as a link between the present and the administrative and social past of Freixo de Numão.

Architectural Features

The Pillory of Freixo de Numão, as an example of a civil structure of great historical importance, presents the typical characteristics of these constructions. Generally carved from stone, it takes the form of a vertical column, erected on a solid base and culminating in a capital, which in turn supports a distinctive finial. Its robust construction reflects the durability and permanence intended for a symbol of municipal authority.

Its basic structure, common to many Portuguese pillories, refers to a functional style but with details that may reflect the period of its construction. Its silhouette in the square is a distinctive element, inviting reflection on the engineering and art of a distant era, and on its central role in the civic life of the community.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pelourinho_de_Freixo_de_Numão_-_Portugal_(4946683270).jpg

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