Póvoa de Varzim Pillory

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Porto > Póvoa de Varzim > Póvoa de Varzim > Bairro Piscatório

Location

The Pelourinho of Póvoa de Varzim stands in Praça do Almada, a central and vibrant space in the heart of the city. Integrated into the traditional environment of the Bairro Piscatório (Fishermen's Quarter), this monument is located in an area that still maintains its identity today, bearing witness to the history and daily life of Póvoa de Varzim. Its striking presence in the square gives it a prominent role in the urban landscape, inviting careful observation from those who stroll by.

The square where it is located is a point of confluence where the life of the town of Póvoa de Varzim unfolds, with the pillory serving as a link between the past and present of the community.

History and Symbolism

Dating back to the 16th century, the Pelourinho of Póvoa de Varzim is a symbol of the former municipal autonomy and jurisdiction that the town held. These monuments were erected after the granting of charters (forais), milestones that marked the acquisition of rights and freedoms, including the ability to administer local justice. Its construction reflects a period of great development and affirmation for Póvoa de Varzim, attesting to its growing importance throughout the centuries.

More than a simple column, the pillory was a place where justice was publicly displayed and, at times, applied. Today, it remains a silent testament to the legal and social system of yesteryear, inviting reflection on the historical evolution of the locality.

Architectural Details

The Pelourinho of Póvoa de Varzim features a structure that fits the typology of 16th-century Portuguese pillories, generally associated with the Manueline style. It rests on a quadrangular base, from which rises an elegant and slender octagonal shaft. This shaft culminates in an equally octagonal capital, carefully worked, which serves as support for its crowning.

At the top of the monument, an armillary sphere stands out, an element with strong symbolism during the Age of Discoveries and present in many Manueline monuments, referring to royal power and Portuguese maritime expansion. Its formal simplicity, combined with the sobriety of its materials, confers upon it a timeless dignity that endures in the urban landscape.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelourinho_da_Póvoa_de_Varzim

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