Pillory of São Mamede de Ribatua

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Vila Real > Alijó > São Mamede de Ribatua

Location

The Pillory of São Mamede de Ribatua is located in the town of São Mamede de Ribatua, in the municipality of Alijó. It stands in a central square, known as Largo do Pelourinho (Pillory Square), an area paved with dressed stone slabs. Its somewhat isolated position marks the former center of the civic and judicial life of what was once a village.

A Symbol of Autonomy

This imposing pillory, erected in 1573, is a testament to the autonomy that São Mamede de Ribatua enjoyed in the past. It dates back to a time when the locality was the seat of a municipality, endowed with its own judicial power. Its presence recalls the period when the village was an important administrative and legal center, a condition it maintained until the extinction of its municipality in 1852.

Architecture and Materials

Built entirely of granite, the Pillory of São Mamede de Ribatua rests on steps that gently adapt to the terrain. Its shaft, or column, is octagonal and smooth, culminating in a "cage-type" capital, characterized by four small pillars forming a square in its upper structure. The monument is crowned by a pyramidal finial. The date 1573 is engraved on one of its faces, attesting to its 16th-century construction.

The Legend of Forgiveness

Associated with this pillory is a peculiar and captivating tradition. The story goes that any fugitive who, in ancient times, managed to touch the pillory, would receive forgiveness for their crime. This way, they were authorized to remain and live in the municipality. This measure aimed, in part, to foster the settlement of the region, adding a human and strategic touch to its judicial function.

Heritage and Memory

Due to its historical and architectural relevance, the Pillory of São Mamede de Ribatua has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1933, recognizing its value in Portuguese cultural heritage. Although its judicial function ceased long ago, this monument continues to serve as a historical-cultural landmark, perpetuating the memory of a past rich in autonomy and local traditions. A repair intervention occurred in 1956, during which a metal ornament that adorned it was removed.

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