Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Sátão > Ferreira de Aves > Casfreires
The Pillory of Castelo stands in the locality of Casfreires, which is part of the parish of Ferreira de Aves, in the municipality of Sátão. It is located in the heart of the village, prominently featured in a small square. Its central position provides a clear point of reference for anyone exploring this area.
This pillory dates back to the 16th century, a period of great expansion and affirmation of municipal power in Portugal. These structures were symbols of local autonomy and justice, indicating that the locality possessed its own rights and jurisdiction. The Pillory of Castelo remains a silent, yet eloquent, testament to this historical heritage, inviting reflection on the past and the social organization of yesteryear.
Constructed from solid granite ashlar, the pillory stands on a base of four quadrangular steps, where the first three are simple and the fourth, taller one, features a chamfer on its upper half. The column is monolithic, with a square base, evolving into an octagonal shaft. On its capital, also octagonal at the base, rests a circular molding that simulates a rope, topped by a quadrangular top.
The decorative details are particularly interesting and reveal the mastery of the era. In the corners of the top, vegetal motifs are observed, while on the east and west-facing sides, birds with open wings stand out, their talons resting on the rope-like molding. The south face displays an inverted 'quinas' shield, and the opposite face a circular figure that is now illegible. Above the capital, ornamented pinnacles rise with vegetal elements and half-height mascarons, completing its Manueline aesthetic. On the column, approximately two meters and one meter twenty from the ground, there are two holes, which once served for the attachment of restraint irons.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.810064,-7.665253
Coordinates DMS: 40°48'36.2"N 07°39'54.9"W
Weather Ferreira de Aves
On-duty Pharmacy Ferreira de Aves
