Pillory of Alijó

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Vila Real > Alijó > Alijó > Bairro Adriano Joaquim Machado

Location

The Pillory of Alijó is located in the very heart of the village, in Largo do Pelourinho, a central square situated near the Municipal Council building. Its position, next to the main road that crosses Alijó, makes it a visible landmark for those exploring the locality.

Behind the pillory, a landscaped square unfolds, inviting a moment of rest and contemplation. This welcoming space, enriched by grass beds, a central fountain with a jet, and various olive trees, offers stone benches where one can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the village.

A Legacy of Autonomy and Justice

This pillory is an important testimony to the history of Alijó, symbolizing the autonomy and judicial rights that the village acquired over the centuries. Its existence is linked to the granting of royal charters, documents that formalized its status as a municipality and its ability to administer its own justice, marking a crucial period in the community's evolution.

The history of the Alijó pillory dates back centuries, with the probable construction of a primitive pillory as early as the 13th century, after the granting of the first charters. Later, in the 16th century, with the new charter granted by D. Manuel I in 1514, the importance of the pillory as a symbol of local autonomy was consolidated. The current structure, although a 20th-century reconstruction, keeps alive the memory of this historical legacy and Alijó's relevance as a center of power and justice.

Architectural Details and Heritage Value

Erected in granite ashlar, the Alijó Pillory features a sober and dignified composition. Its base is a quadrangular plinth of two steps, upon which rests an equally square monolithic base. From here, a smooth, cylindrical shaft rises, adorned with a bocel in its lower portion.

The top of the pillory is finished with a set of elements that include a necking and a collar, which support a framed tablet, culminating in a granite sphere. A discreet metallic railing protection surrounds the monument. The Alijó Pillory has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1933, in recognition of its historical and cultural significance for the region.

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