Pillory of Maiorga

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Leiria > Alcobaça > Maiorga > Varatojo

Ancient History

, Maiorga was one of the 14 villages of the Alcobaça coutos (territories under special jurisdiction).

, It received town charters in 1303 and 1361.

, In 1454, D. Frei Gonçalo Ferreira renewed these charters.

, D. Manuel granted a new charter in 1514, leading to the construction of the pillory.

Location

, The pillory is situated in a sloping square.

, It is located in front of the main church and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, formerly the church of the Misericórdia (Mercy) of Maiorga.

Architecture

, It rests on a platform of four steps, alternating between circular and star-shaped.

, The column has a circular base with eight vertical edges and two horizontal moldings.

, The shaft is spiral, decorated with buttons and rings.

, The capital is octagonal with foliage ornaments, and the top is finished with a conical trunk truncated at the top.

Manueline Style

, The pillory is from the Manueline period.

, It forms an interesting ensemble with the portal of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.

, Possibly, both were built during the same construction campaign, using the same master stonemasons.

Historical Significance

, The pillory symbolizes the administrative autonomy of Maiorga during the medieval period.

, After the extinction of the municipality, Maiorga was integrated into Alcobaça, becoming a parish.

Conservation

, The pillory is still well preserved.

, It represents an important historical and cultural landmark of the region.

Sources: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pelourinho_e_Igreja_Matriz_de_Maiorga_-_Portugal_(11479880044).jpg

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