Pillory of Chaves

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Vila Real > Chaves > Chaves > Quinta da Estação

Location

The Pillory of Chaves is located in the heart of the city, in Praça da República, one of the most bustling and central areas of the locality. It is situated in the parish of Santa Maria Maior, making it easily accessible for those exploring the historic center. When visiting, travelers will see that it integrates into the urban landscape of the square, sometimes flanked by parked vehicles, which may require closer attention to observe its base and details.

Historical Significance

This 16th-century pillory, erected in 1515, is a commemorative landmark that symbolized Chaves' judicial autonomy in medieval times. It served as a place for the assertion of municipal power and, in more distant eras, as a space for the application of public justice. Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1933, its presence marks a past of its own jurisdiction and administrative relevance for the town.

Art and Symbolism in Stone

The Pillory of Chaves features a remarkable structure made of granite ashlar, representative of the Manueline style. Its base is composed of five steps that elevate a robust pedestal. Above, a large parallelepiped with chamfered and elegantly molded angles stands out. The capital is one of the most interesting points, displaying an inverted truncated pyramid, whose faces are carved with important symbols: the armillary sphere, emblem of the Portuguese Discoveries, and the coat of arms of the municipality of Chaves, which includes the keys that give the city its name and a representation of its bridge.

Its decorative complexity, with the twisted shaft and the small columns flanking the upper part, invites careful observation. This monument has, over the centuries, been subject to various displacements and reconstructions, with its current form being the result of a rebuilding in the 20th century, which sought to preserve its memory and historical-architectural value.

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