Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Vila Real > Valpaços > Águas Revés > Água Revés e Crasto
The Pillory of Águas Revés stands serenely in the heart of the locality of Águas Revés, part of the parish of Água Revés e Crasto, in the municipality of Valpaços, Vila Real district. It is situated in a small elevated square, discreet yet central in the village, and positioned laterally to a main street, near what was once the building of the former Municipal Hall. This arrangement gives it a natural visibility, inviting a moment of pause to observe this historical monument.
This pillory is not merely a stone column; it is a tangible symbol of a past where the locality of Água Revés enjoyed municipal autonomy. Its construction conjecturally dates back to the 16th century, a period when Portugal witnessed the expansion of its local administration. It is believed that the pillory was erected after D. Manuel I granted a new royal charter in 1516, marking the jurisdictional and administrative importance that Água Revés held. Initially, these monuments served as places for executing sentences and represented the power of municipal justice, a function that today transforms into a historical-cultural landmark for the community and its visitors.
Built entirely of granite ashlar, the Pillory of Águas Revés stands out for its simplicity and robustness. The structure rests on a plinth composed of quadrangular steps, which serve as the base for a large monolithic platform. It is on this base that one can observe small indentations, testaments to time and the wear accumulated over centuries. The shaft, which rises from this platform, is cylindrical and smooth, culminating in a truncated pyramidal finial. This upper element features grooves that frame each of its faces, giving it a distinct finish.
The importance of the Pillory of Águas Revés was officially recognized in 1953 when it was classified as a Property of Public Interest. This classification underscores its historical and architectural value, ensuring its preservation as an integral part of Portuguese cultural heritage. It represents a fundamental piece in understanding the social and legal organization of medieval and 16th-century municipalities, offering observers a direct link to the history of a small village that once had its own town hall, prison, and judicial system.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.55828,-7.348355
Coordinates DMS: 41°33'29.8"N 07°20'54.1"W
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