Pousaflores Pillory

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Leiria > Ansião > Pousaflores

Location

The pillory stands in the Largo da Igreja de Pousaflores, in the heart of the village. It is protected by stone bollards and chains that define a small enclosure, lending the space a serene and discreet atmosphere.

The surroundings, paved with limestone cubes, connect the monument to the facade of the parish church, creating a contemplative corner in the center of this village in the municipality of Ansião.

Origin and History

Dating back to the early 16th century, the pillory celebrates the charter granted by D. Manuel I in 1514, when Pousaflores acquired the status of a town. Although incomplete, the monument preserves traces of its judicial role and the prestige that once marked the community.

In the 20th century, the surviving fragments were recovered and reinterpreted in the public space. Since then, this section of the shaft has remained a historical landmark, recalling the former function of local justice enforcement.

Architectural Features

Set on limestone masonry, the monument features a mixed base: first, an octagonal step with rounded edges; immediately following, a quadrangular step. Upon this base rises a hexagonal base that supports the oldest part of the shaft.

The visible fragment of the shaft displays a set of twisted columns that refer to the Manueline style. The clear distinction between the original pieces and the more recent interventions reveals the history of successive restorations over the centuries.

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