Pillory of Feira or Pillory of Lanheses

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Lanheses > Outeiro

Location

The Lanheses or Feira Pillory is located in the village of Lanheses, which belongs to the municipality of Viana do Castelo, in Minho. Erected in the area known as Outeiro, this historical monument is integrated into a landscape that combines the tranquility of the rural environment with proximity to population centers. Its position offers a point of reference for those traveling through this area, inviting a pause to observe an element with a strong connection to the parish's past.

Historical Testimony

This pillory is a landmark that evokes a period when public life and the administration of justice were different. Its existence is linked to the autonomy and rights of a community, as the erection of a pillory was a symbol of municipal jurisdiction, often associated with the granting of a charter. Thus, its presence in Lanheses testifies to the historical and administrative importance that the locality acquired over the centuries, functioning as a silent guardian of collective memory and the ancient laws that governed social life.

Forms and Symbolism

Built of stone, the Lanheses Pillory is a column of modest dimensions but great symbolic value. Its structure, typical of these monuments, consists of a robust base supporting the shaft, or column body, topped by a capital. Although its original function was linked to the imposition of sentences, its lines and the solidity of the stone convey a dignity proper to a classified heritage site. Observing this pillory is to directly connect with the evolution of society and local powers in Portugal, understanding its importance as a central element in the public life of its time.

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