Pillory of Maçãs de Dona Maria

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Leiria > Alvaiázere > Maçãs de Dona Maria > Currais

Location

The Pillory of Maçãs de Dona Maria is pleasantly situated in the town of Maçãs de Dona Maria, more specifically in the Currais area, belonging to the municipality of Alvaiázere, in the district of Leiria. Its presence marks a focal point in the town's landscape, typically located in a square or plaza where the civic and social life of the community once converged. Its position invites observation of the picturesque surroundings and absorption of the serene atmosphere of a locality with deep historical roots.

Historical Testimony

This pillory stands as an eloquent testimony to the past and the administrative evolution of the region. Its construction dates back to approximately 1514, a highly significant period when King Manuel I granted a new charter (foral) to the town. The erection of such structures was intrinsically linked to the granting of these charters, symbolizing municipal autonomy, royal authority, and the power to administer justice in the name of the crown. It thus represented a tangible landmark of local jurisdiction and power, underscoring the town's importance in the administrative hierarchy of the Manueline era.

Architectural Features

The Pillory of Maçãs de Dona Maria exhibits a very sober and functional stone structure. It is composed of a sturdy quadrangular base that supports a tall, slender, octagonal-shafted column. At the top, a distinctive cage-shaped capital stands out, an architectural element characteristic of many pillories built during the Manueline period, culminating in a pyramidal finial. The solidity and simplicity of its construction reflect the techniques and aesthetics of its time. Its classification as a Property of Public Interest attests to the significance of its historical and heritage value to the nation.

Symbolism and Function

More than a mere stone structure, the pillory held powerful symbolism. It represented the sovereignty of the Portuguese crown and the delegation of judicial and administrative powers to the towns and municipalities. It was the place where royal edicts were published, laws were announced, and where sentences were once carried out, serving as a central hub for public and judicial life. Its presence in Maçãs de Dona Maria evokes a time when justice was visible and enforced in the heart of the community, inviting the visitor to a profound reflection on the forms of social organization and governance of the past.

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