Pillory of Ermelo

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Vila Real > Mondim de Basto > Ermelo > Ermelo e Pardelhas

Location

The Pillory of Ermelo stands in the heart of the village of Ermelo, part of the union of parishes of Ermelo and Pardelhas, in the municipality of Mondim de Basto. Situated in a village square, this monument blends harmoniously into the rural landscape of the locality, offering a glimpse of the past right next to the traditional houses, in the heart of the Trás-os-Montes region.

Historical Memory

This pillory is a testament to the former administrative and judicial autonomy of the town of Ermelo. It was likely built in the 16th century, a period when King Manuel I granted a new charter to the town in 1514. At the time, a pillory represented the manorial jurisdiction and the power to administer justice in the municipality, being a visible symbol of that authority.

Over the centuries, Ermelo was an important administrative center, having been a preserve (couto) whose justices were appointed by the Marquises of Marialva. This stone monument was thus the stage for justice and public administration, maintaining its original function until the extinction of the municipality in 1836, at which point it lost its judicial role.

Architectural Features

Built of solid granite ashlar, the Pillory of Ermelo stands out for its sober and functional architecture, characteristic features of the 16th-century period. Its structure consists of a square base with two steps, on which rests a smooth, cylindrical shaft, devoid of any elaborate decoration.

The capital, also simple, is formed by a truncated-cone-shaped collar and a circular abacus. The ensemble is topped by a pyramidal pinnacle, which culminates in a small sphere. This monument is distinguished by its formal simplicity and its base, which shows some alterations resulting from the passage of time, reflecting its long history and the transformations it has undergone over the centuries.

Heritage Value

The historical and architectural importance of the Pillory of Ermelo is officially recognized, having been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1933. Currently, this monument stands as a valuable historical and cultural landmark, inviting those who observe it to reflect on the social and administrative evolution of the region and the community life of the past, which took place around it.

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