Pillory of Valhelhas

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Guarda > Guarda > Valhelhas > Quinta de São Pedro

Location and Context

, Situated in the center of the main square of the village of Valhelhas.

, Surrounding it are the Parish Council, a restaurant, a café, and a fountain.

History and Construction

, Ordered to be built by D. Manuel I after the granting of a charter in 1514.

, The year engraved on the pillory is 1555, but it is estimated to have been built in the early 16th century.

, Represents a transition in the symbolism of pillories, from symbols of punishment to demonstrations of royal power and art.

Architectural Features

, Base composed of seven octagonal steps, reflecting the historical importance of Valhelhas in the region.

, Smooth octagonal column, approximately 7 meters high and 0.40 meters in diameter.

, Capital adorned with prominent and smooth moldings, with inscriptions of the year 1555 and Roman numerals.

, Circular platform with five pinnacles, one central larger and four smaller arranged in a cross.

, Pinnacles supported by corbels decorated with half spheres, currently two pinnacles are missing.

Significance and Importance

, Symbolizes the concentration of royal power in the region during the reign of D. Manuel I.

, Historical testimony of the evolution of pillories as symbols of justice to artistic and historical monuments.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelourinho_de_Valhelhas

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