Pillory of Campo Benfeito

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Viseu > Castro Daire > Campo Benfeito

Location

The Pillory of Campo Benfeito stands in the serene locality of Campo Benfeito, a village belonging to the civil parish of Gosende, in the municipality of Castro Daire. The monument is prominently situated in a small square, precisely at the center of a crossroads, with a fountain nearby. This central location and its isolated presence grant it remarkable visibility within the sloping urban landscape of the village, which was purposely leveled to accommodate it.

A Landmark of Local History

This pillory represents a significant element of Campo Benfeito's history, bearing witness to its former autonomy. Classified as a Property of Public Interest, the monument is a symbol of the justice and privileges that the locality once enjoyed. Its existence dates back to the times when Campo Benfeito was an independent municipality, a reality that persisted until the 19th century. Thus, its presence is not merely an architectural landmark but also a bridge to the administrative and social past of the region.

The Art of Stone

Constructed from granite ashlar, the Pillory of Campo Benfeito exhibits a robust and characteristic structure. The base is formed by three square-shaped steps, upon which the shaft, also of square section, rises. At the top, a cubic block caps the column. One of its faces bears a carved date: 1731, which is assumed to be the year of its construction. An interesting detail lies in the particularity of the "1" digits in this inscription, which curiously take the form of the letter "L".

From Pillory to Cultural Symbol

Originally, the function of the Pillory of Campo Benfeito was linked to the administration of local justice. However, over time, its use evolved, and today it stands as a valuable historical and cultural landmark. It is known that the monument is not in its original position; it was relocated to its current spot with the purpose of enhancing and giving greater visibility to its column. This change involved a slight adaptation to its staircase. In 1964, the surrounding square underwent an arrangement, providing the pillory with a new base that gives it the solidity and importance it currently holds in the heart of the village.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt