Pillory of Alhais

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Viseu > Vila Nova de Paiva > Alhais

Location

The Pillory of Alhais is located in the village of Alhais, part of the municipality of Vila Nova de Paiva, in the district of Viseu. It stands in a central square of the village, asserting its presence with remarkable singularity. Its placement on a natural rocky outcrop gives it an unusual and imposing base, setting it apart in the gently sloping urban environment where it is situated.

A Historic Landmark

This ashlar monument, erected in the 16th century, is a testament to the history of Alhais. Its construction is directly linked to the granting of the charter by D. Manuel I in 1514, a period of significant administrative restructuring in Portugal. Originally, the pillory symbolized local authority and justice, serving as a place where sentences were carried out and decisions of the time were proclaimed. Today, the Pillory of Alhais is recognized as an important historical-cultural landmark, perpetuating the memory of the autonomy that the locality once enjoyed.

Architecture and Uniqueness

The Pillory of Alhais stands out for its unique architecture and the way it integrates into the landscape. Unlike many others, it does not have the traditional steps at its base, instead resting on a large natural granite block, approximately 2.70 meters high, which serves as its pedestal. Its structure consists of a column with a cylindrical and smooth shaft. The capital features rounded elements, evoking the volutes of Ionic capitals, resting on a trunk with three rings. Above, a quadrangular prismatic piece with small columns at the corners tops the ensemble, crowned by a crest and a small finial. A noteworthy feature is the orientation of the faces of its finial, which carefully align with the cardinal points. Due to its value and uniqueness, the Pillory of Alhais was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1933.

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