Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Leiria > Leiria > Monte Real > Monte Real e Carvide
The Pelourinho of Monte Real is located in the town of Monte Real, which is part of the union of parishes of Monte Real and Carvide, in the municipality and district of Leiria. This historical landmark is typically found in the heart of the old town, marking a central point in the urban and social landscape of the settlement. Its presence harks back to an era when urban centers developed around symbols of municipal power, offering a perspective on the organization and community life of yesteryear.
Like many of its counterparts in Portugal, the Pelourinho of Monte Real is a testament to the autonomy and seigniorial or municipal authority that once prevailed in the locality. Erected as a symbol of jurisdiction, it served not only for the public execution of sentences and application of punishments but also for posting edicts and proclaiming local justice decisions. Its existence underscores Monte Real's importance in the administrative and judicial context of the region throughout the centuries.
The architecture of a pelourinho is generally simple but imposing, characterized by its stone column erected on a base, topped by a capital sometimes inscribed with symbols or coats of arms. Although the specific details of the Pelourinho of Monte Real may vary, its general form evokes the sobriety and durability of stone, a common material in its construction. This monument is a window into the practices and customs of a distant past, serving as a tangible reminder of the history and evolution of the Monte Real community.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.84908895692831,-8.858318951340815
Coordinates DMS: 39°50'56.7"N 08°51'29.9"W