Pillory of Casal do Meio

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Guarda > Seia > Travancinha > Casal do Meio

Location

The Pillory of Casal do Meio is located in the urban core that gives it its name, the small urbanization of Casal do Meio, which is part of the locality of Travancinha, in the municipality of Seia. It is situated in a wide, more or less flat open space, where it is integrated into the daily life of the village. Curiously, part of its base is flanked and intersected by annex constructions, which gives it a particular setting within the urban fabric.

A Landmark of Ancient Autonomy

This pillory, whose construction is estimated to have occurred in the 16th century, is a testament to the historical importance of Casal do Meio. In times past, this locality, together with Travancinha, served as the county seat. The pillory, a central element of old chartered towns, symbolized the administrative autonomy and jurisdiction of local power, marking the location of the Town Hall and the Court. Its presence recalls a period when the region held a distinct status, before being integrated into the municipality of Seia.

Architectural and Symbolic Details

Built of granite ashlar, the Pillory of Casal do Meio presents a characteristic structure. It rises from a five-step square-plan plinth. Its shaft, octagonal in cross-section and smooth-surfaced, culminates in a block-shaped finial. On this top, decorative elements such as bulging pinnacles and, although already less distinct, intertwined tori stand out. On the east and west-facing sides, the shield with the national coat of arms is sculpted. On the north and south faces, a singular motif composed of two joined circles can be observed, which enclose a stylized fleur-de-lis, believed to be an allusion to the Order of Avis, to which the lands of Casal were historically linked.

The Preservation of a Legacy

Classified as a Property of Public Interest, the Pillory of Casal do Meio has a history of resistance. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its demolition was even planned for the regularization of the square. However, the timely intervention of local figures ensured its consolidation and preservation, preventing the loss of this valuable heritage. Thus, the pillory remains standing, not only as a remarkable architectural piece but also as an important historical-cultural landmark that invites reflection on the community's past.

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