Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Tondela > Canas de Santa Maria > Casal do Rei
The Pillory of Canas de Santa Maria is serenely located in the center of the village, within the locality that shares its name, in the municipality of Tondela. Situated in a flat and open square, this monument stands out in the urban landscape, offering a point of contemplation and easy access at the heart of the community.
At the heart of its original function, the Pillory symbolized the judicial and administrative autonomy of Canas de Santa Maria. Erected between the 16th and 17th centuries, during a period when the locality held the status of a village and municipal seat (formerly known as Canas de Sabugosa), this granite column was the place where justice was publicly administered. It represents a chapter in local history, when the community possessed its own officials and governance, underscoring its importance within the territory.
Carved from granite ashlar, the Pillory of Canas de Santa Maria exhibits a sobriety that aligns with its historical function. The base is composed of three quadrangular steps rising from the pavement, upon which the shaft rests. This column, predominantly square in section, is marked by chamfered angles running its height, lending it a particular elegance. The finial, known as a "pinha embolada", is a pyramidal piece topped by a sphere, adding a distinctive element to the ensemble and reflecting the typology of pillories in the region.
Currently, the Pillory of Canas de Santa Maria transcends its original function, establishing itself as a remarkable cultural and historical landmark. Its presence invites reflection on the territory's past and the community life of bygone eras. Preserved as a Property of Public Interest since 1933, this granite monument is a tangible element of the village's memory, evoking its long history and the development of Canas de Santa Maria throughout the centuries. It allows for an authentic connection to local heritage, keeping alive an important part of the patrimony of the Tondela region.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.551669,-8.033637
Coordinates DMS: 40°33'6.0"N 08°02'1.1"W
Weather Canas de Santa Maria
On-duty Pharmacy Canas de Santa Maria
