Pillory of Porto

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Centro Histórico

Location

The Pillory of Porto majestically stands in the Historic Centre of the city, occupying a prominent place in Terreiro da Sé. It is located at an elevated point, an integral part of one of Porto's oldest and most symbolic areas. Its harmonious placement allows it to be easily observed in this urban space, providing a visual reference point for those exploring the historical paths that surround it.

Memory and Symbolism

This pillory, although erected in the 20th century, is an important memory of the ancient symbol of municipal autonomy and justice. Pillories, in the past, represented the jurisdictional power of a locality, serving as the place where sentences were carried out and decisions proclaimed. The Pillory of Porto was conceived as a faithful reconstruction of an 18th-century design, referring to the presence of a similar structure that would have existed there. Its existence today serves as a material reminder of the city's rich administrative and legal history, and its evolution over the centuries.

Architectural Details

Constructed entirely of granite ashlar, the Pillory of Porto stands out for its aesthetics and the richness of its details. It rests on a quadrangular plinth of seven steps, with a convex centre, and features three pinnacles on pedestals at each of its angles. The central column is twisted, ornamented with a floral frieze on the lower part and a string of buttons that spirals along its helix. The Corinthian capital is meticulously crafted and includes restraint irons adorned with phytomorphic elements. At its apex, it displays four concave faces bearing the arms of the city of Porto, surmounted by a closed crown, giving it a symbolic and distinctive finish.

A 20th-Century Piece

The structure we see today was placed in Terreiro da Sé in 1945, during a period of significant urban interventions in the area. Between 1932 and 1940, old buildings and streets were demolished with the aim of creating the ample space of Terreiro da Sé. Once the paving was completed, the Porto City Council took charge of the execution and installation of this pillory. Thus, this monument is not only a historical recovery of an ancient symbol but also a relatively recent piece that crowns an effort to enhance and redevelop the heart of the city.

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