Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Vila Real > Boticas > Dornelas > Antigo de Dornelas
The Pelourinho (Pillory) of Dornelas rises in the heart of the locality of Dornelas, a picturesque urban cluster integrated into the municipality of Boticas, in the district of Vila Real. This emblematic monument is located in the area known as Antigo de Dornelas, a nucleus that refers to the origins and the deeper history of the settlement. Its position, often central in the old borough, highlights its historical relevance and its intrinsic connection to the communal life of the past, set within a rural and mountainous environment, typical of the Alto Tâmega region.
This imposing stone pillar is a silent testimony to an era when municipal autonomy was publicly expressed and justice administered in the public square. The pillory, par excellence, symbolized the judicial and administrative authority of the municipality or jurisdiction that erected it, marking the place where the law was enforced and, at times, where public punishments were applied. Its presence in Dornelas reflects the granting of a charter (foral) or the affirmation of royal rights over the settlement, conferring upon it its own legal status and autonomy from seigniorial powers, a decisive milestone in its historical evolution.
Although often simple in its conception, the Pelourinho of Dornelas follows the typology of medieval and modern pillars of justice that spread throughout the national territory. Carved from granite, an abundant and characteristic material of the region, its structure is robust and secular, resisting centuries and preserving the memory of a distant past. The simplicity of its lines, characteristic of many rural pillories, does not diminish its importance as a striking element of civil architecture and local history, remaining an integral and valuable piece of Dornelas' identity.
Today, the Pelourinho of Dornelas is more than a mere vestige of an ancient legal system; it is a vital link to the history and culture of the Barroso region. It represents the resilience of a community and the continuity of built heritage that stands firm, inviting visitors to reflect on Portugal's social and legal evolution. Its observation allows for an understanding of the role these landmarks played in shaping the identity and daily lives of rural populations over time, solidifying its importance as a notable element of Portuguese heritage.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.639783,-7.842004
Coordinates DMS: 41°38'23.2"N 07°50'31.2"W
Weather Dornelas
On-duty Pharmacy Dornelas
