Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Portalegre > Gavião > Gavião > Gavião e Atalaia
The Pillory of Gavião stands, imposing, in the heart of the town of Gavião, located in the district of Portalegre and part of the union of parishes of Gavião and Atalaia. The monument is strategically positioned in a public square, distinguished by its traditional paving, establishing itself as a central element in the local urban landscape. Surrounded by buildings with architectural features characteristic of the region, its striking presence provides an easily identifiable landmark in the town center.
This emblematic monument has its roots in the 16th century, a period that coincides with the granting of the charter (foral) to Gavião by King Manuel I in 1519. At that time, pillories played a crucial role as symbols of judicial and administrative authority, marking local autonomy and justice. Although its original functions were abolished in the 19th century, the Pillory of Gavião underwent significant interventions in the 20th century, which aimed at its relocation or careful restoration, thus ensuring its preservation and continued visibility as a valuable testament to the past.
Crafted mainly from granite, the Pillory of Gavião reveals a structure of remarkable sturdiness and rich symbolism. Its composition begins with an octagonal base, upon which an elegant cylindrical column rises. At its top, which is the most distinctive part of the monument, are iconic elements of the Manueline style: an armillary sphere, an emblem of the Portuguese maritime expansion and of King Manuel I himself, and a Cross of Christ, a symbol of the Order of Christ. These details, combined with its solid construction, give it a deeply marked artistic and historical identity.
Today, the Pillory of Gavião transcends its original function to establish itself as an important cultural and heritage symbol for the region. Its continued existence in the town's central square serves as a tangible reminder of the autonomy and justice that Gavião achieved with its 16th-century charter. It is a monument that invites reflection on the rich history of the municipality and the legacy of a past that shaped the identity and character of the local community, remaining a landmark and a source of pride for its inhabitants.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.46594447988162,-7.932616499735299
Coordinates DMS: 39°27'57.4"N 07°55'57.4"W
Weather Gavião
On-duty Pharmacy Gavião
