Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Guarda > Sabugal > Pega
The Pillory of Vila do Touro stands in the heart of the serene locality of Vila do Touro, in the municipality of Sabugal, district of Guarda. Its central position, once a space of public importance, allows for an observation of the village's historical surroundings, characterised by the old design of its buildings and an atmosphere of tranquility. From this point, it is possible to absorb the essence of a landscape marked by rurality and the typical horizons of the Beira Interior region.
This imposing pillory is a remarkable testament to the former municipal autonomy of Vila do Touro. Its construction most likely dates back to the 16th century, a period when many settlements received new charters (forais), marking their elevation to the seat of a municipality and, consequently, the affirmation of their local power and justice. As a symbol of judicial and administrative power, the pillory was the place where edicts were read, offenders were exposed, and justice was administered, thus representing royal and municipal authority in the public square.
Its presence in Vila do Touro perpetuates the memory of a past of independence and self-governance, before the extinction of the municipality in the mid-19th century. It is a crucial element for understanding the historical evolution and the status that this locality once enjoyed in the region. Its classification as a National Monument underscores its importance within Portuguese cultural heritage.
The Pillory of Vila do Touro features a robust and elegant structure, with peculiarities that make it unique. It rests on a square-based plinth with two steps, which gives it height and visibility. Its shaft, or column, is smooth and octagonal in section, giving it a distinct and harmonious shape. At the top, there is a capital with worked faces, where four sculpted coats of arms stand out: two bear the National Quinas, the symbol of the Kingdom of Portugal, while the other two display the coat of arms of Sabugal, establishing the connection with the municipal authority.
Topping the column is a spherical finial, surmounted by a small iron cross, a common element on pillories that symbolised justice under divine aegis. Its construction in local stone gives it a natural integration into the landscape and a resilience that has allowed it to endure through the centuries, preserving its dignity and historical-artistic value, presenting itself as an example of the Manueline style.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.41636032697845,-7.105108874712234
Coordinates DMS: 40°24'58.9"N 07°06'18.4"W
