Category: Archaeology > Pillory
District: Viseu > Sernancelhe > Fonte Arcada > Bairro de São Martinho
The Pillory of Fonte Arcada is located in the heart of the village of Fonte Arcada, integrated into the São Martinho Neighborhood. It stands prominently in Praça Pádua Correia, a central point where several streets converge, giving it natural visibility and a typical Beirão atmosphere. Its dominant position in the public space is highlighted by three small stone blocks, the "frades" (friars), which protect and delimit it.
This pillory, dating from the 17th century, is a remarkable piece of granite masonry, representative of the "tabuleiro" (plinth) type. The base is formed by an octagonal plinth with seven steps which, despite some being damaged by time, retain their original shape. Upon this structure rises a monolithic shaft of quadrangular section, with chamfered edges that then reconfigure into an octagonal shape, returning to a quadrangular section at its upper part.
The finial is particularly interesting, composed of a quadrangular block that supports a plinth of small columns. This plinth is framed by various flat moldings and, at the center of each face, a delicate rosette appears. Four square-based pinnacles, adorned with vegetal elements, rise at the corners. At the center, a fifth pinnacle, taller in height, presents a cylindrical and crowned shape, completing the uniqueness of the piece.
Initially, like all pillories, the structure served a judicial function. It marked the place where the council's justice was administered and where punishments were applied. Its existence is linked to the autonomy that Fonte Arcada gained over the centuries, beginning with the foundation of the 'couto' (territorial grant) and convent of São Salvador in 1067 and the granting of 'foral' charters, which conferred privileges and self-governance upon its inhabitants.
With the extinction of the municipality in 1885, the Pillory lost its original function. Today, it survives as an important historical-cultural landmark, a living memory of the royal jurisdiction and municipal power that, in times past, manifested itself in this place. It is a symbol of local identity and a point of reflection on the administrative and social evolution of the region.
The Pillory of Fonte Arcada has been recognized as a Property of Public Interest since 1933, a status that underscores its importance and the need for its safeguarding. Its preservation has been the subject of interventions over time, particularly in the mid-20th century, when consolidation and repair work was carried out, including straightening the column and replacing fallen elements, ensuring its integrity for future generations. This granite monument is not just an ancient structure, but a tangible link to the history of Fonte Arcada and the Sernancelhe region.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.964417,-7.521591
Coordinates DMS: 40°57'51.9"N 07°31'17.7"W
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