Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Viseu > Viseu > Couto de Baixo
The Pillory of Couto de Baixo is located in the heart of the village of the same name, integrated into the municipality of Viseu. Erected in a wide and flat square, this historical landmark is set in a traditional urban environment, flanked by old buildings. Its central position, next to the village church and in front of the building that once served as the Town Hall, gives it a prominent role in the local landscape, allowing an unobstructed view of its structure and the surrounding houses.
Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the Pillory of Couto de Baixo stands as a tangible remnant of the judicial administration of yesteryear. In the past, these monuments were symbols of autonomy and seigniorial or royal authority, marking the places where justice was publicly exercised. The presence of this pillory attests to the importance that Couto de Baixo held throughout the centuries, particularly as the head of the Coutos de Santa Eulália, a territory with its own privileges and jurisdiction, confirmed since the 13th century.
This pillory presents itself as a robust and elegant structure, crafted from granite stonework. Its cylindrical shaft, rising from a unique base, stands out. This base, notable for being an adapted old olive press weight, is a testament to the changes the monument underwent over time. At its top rests a quadrangular capital, decorated with prominent colonnettes oriented towards the cardinal points, culminating in a flattened sphere. An iron ring, embedded about one meter and forty centimeters high in the shaft, is a small but significant reminder of its original purpose.
Classified as a Public Interest Property, the Pillory of Couto de Baixo is not just a piece of architecture, but a silent witness to the evolution of the village. Its current location is not the original one; in the 19th century, it was moved to the space it now occupies due to the widening of streets and the construction of a new fountain. This intervention resulted in the loss of its original steps, which were then reused in the paving of the square. This monument invites reflection on the resilience of heritage and its ability to integrate and adapt to new times, keeping the memory of a community alive.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.658007,-8.006583
Coordinates DMS: 40°39'28.8"N 08°00'23.7"W
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