Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Setúbal > Almada > Caparica > Capuchos
The Pillory of Almada, an important testament to the past, is currently sheltered in the Capuchos area, part of the town of Caparica, in the municipality of Almada, within the district of Setúbal. Its current location, near the Capuchos Convent, provides a tranquil setting steeped in local history, inviting contemplation of this remnant of ancient administration.
Erected in the 16th century, this stone monument holds deep historical significance for the town of Almada. It served as a visible emblem of the jurisdiction and the administrative and judicial autonomy the town possessed. Its construction is closely linked to the granting of the Manueline charter to Almada in 1513, which consolidated its status as a royal town, directly under the authority of the Portuguese Crown. It was, therefore, a landmark of the authority and established order of the time.
The original monument was crafted from Arrábida breccia, a type of rock characteristic of the region. Its structure consisted of a column adorned with smooth bands, culminating in a truncated pyramid-shaped top, embellished with cordiform-style ornamental details, decorative elements that reflect the aesthetics of the period. Today, only a few fragments of this structure have been preserved, some of which are carefully kept within the Capuchos Convent, still allowing a glimpse of its former shape and importance.
Recognizing its undeniable value as cultural and historical heritage, the Pillory of Almada was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1933. This classification underscores the monument's relevance for understanding the administrative and social evolution of the municipality. Currently, under the care of the local authority, it remains a cultural reference and a point of interest that evokes the rich history of Almada.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.64553057913867,-9.222064580331924
Coordinates DMS: 38°38'43.9"N 09°13'19.4"W
Weather Caparica
On-duty Pharmacy Caparica
