Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Santa Comba Dão > Couto do Mosteiro
The Pillory of Couto do Mosteiro stands in a spacious square, an open area in the locality of Couto do Mosteiro, in the municipality of Santa Comba Dão. It is situated on an elevated platform, with a steep southward slope in its immediate vicinity. This position gives it a particular setting within the urban fabric, highlighting it in the local landscape and allowing an unobstructed view of its structure and surroundings. Its presence defines the central ambiance of this small settlement, offering a visual landmark for those who traverse it.
Dating from the 16th century, this pillory is a tangible symbol of the autonomy achieved by the settlement of Couto do Mosteiro. Its construction dates back to the period when King D. Manuel I granted a new charter to the locality in 1514, elevating it to the status of a town and bestowing upon it significant privileges. Originally, these monuments served as pillars of justice, where penalties were carried out and official edicts were proclaimed. Although its judicial function was abolished in the 19th century, it remains today as a historical-cultural landmark, inviting reflection on the past and the evolution of local governance in Portugal.
Carved from coarse-grained granite masonry, the pillory displays remarkable robustness and a unique aesthetic. Its base consists of two quadrangular steps that serve as a plinth for the column. The architectural highlight lies in its wide and twisted shaft, decorated with four low-relief bands separated by grooves. This carving gives it a dynamic and unusual appearance. At the top, a smooth cylinder precedes a fluted capital with rings of increasing circumference, topped by a truncated and spiraled cone-shaped finial. It is still possible to identify vestiges of holes where the restraint irons were once fixed, a detail that directly connects us to its original function.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.411287,-8.144687
Coordinates DMS: 40°24'40.6"N 08°08'40.9"W
Weather Couto do Mosteiro
On-duty Pharmacy Couto do Mosteiro
