Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Nelas > Aguieira
The Pillory of Aguieira is located in the heart of the village of Aguieira, part of the municipality of Nelas. It stands in a small square, known as Largo do Pelourinho (Pillory Square), harmoniously integrated into the urban fabric. Surrounded by traditional buildings, this space invites a quiet pause, allowing one to observe village life and the monument's striking presence.
This pillory is an important testament to Aguieira's history, evoking the times when the locality possessed municipal autonomy, symbolized by the granting of a royal charter in the 16th century. Although the exact date of its original construction is not proven, it is traditionally pointed to the year 1540, marking the center of local judicial and administrative power. Throughout the centuries, it was the stage of justice, reflecting the king's jurisdiction and sovereignty over the community.
The structure of the Pillory of Aguieira, classified as a Property of Public Interest, is predominantly made of granite stonework, an abundant material in the region. It is composed of a base of three quadrangular steps, from which rises a smooth, cylindrical shaft. The top culminates in a distinctive capital, upon which rests a conical finial, crowned by a large sphere. At the very top, an iron weather vane, including a pennant and a cross, is still visible.
The history of its construction is particularly notable for its resilience. The pillory was demolished at the beginning of the 20th century. However, years later, between 1937 and 1939, the local community decided to reconstruct it. For this purpose, stones from the original 16th-century monument that had been carefully preserved were used. Thus, although its current form does not exactly replicate the primitive model, the piece incorporates authentic elements that tangibly link the distant past to the present.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.527859,-7.923446
Coordinates DMS: 40°31'40.3"N 07°55'24.4"W
Weather Aguieira
On-duty Pharmacy Aguieira
