Category: Archaeology > Pillory
District: Viseu > Armamar > Goujoim > Aricera e Goujoim
The Pillory of Goujoim stands in the serene locality of Goujoim, located within the parish of Aricera e Goujoim, in the municipality of Armamar, Viseu district. It is typically situated in a central point of the historic village, where community life once thrived, serving as an unmistakable landmark in the landscape. Its position invites visitors to observe the rural surroundings, characterized by tranquility and the natural elements that define this region of inland Portugal.
This monument is set within a landscape that reflects the authenticity of the Douro villages, albeit on the periphery of the demarcated Douro region, offering a perspective on the built heritage and life of yesteryear, far from the hustle and bustle of urban centers. Its striking presence, often made of stone, harmoniously integrates into the local vernacular architecture.
The Pillory of Goujoim is an eloquent vestige of a past where its presence was a clear sign of municipal authority and autonomy. Erected in remote times, this stone monument symbolized the judicial and administrative power of a given settlement, marking the place where laws were proclaimed and, sometimes, summary justice was applied. It thus represented the jurisdiction of the lord or the municipality over its inhabitants.
Its observation allows visitors to reflect on the social and political dynamics that shaped Portuguese rural communities throughout the centuries. It is a historic landmark that attests to Goujoim's importance in the context of its region, highlighting its relevance as a center of local power during the period in which it was built.
Built predominantly of stone, an abundant and characteristic material of the region, the Pillory of Goujoim presents the robust and functional forms that typify these structures. Generally, it is composed of a base, a shaft (column), and a finial or capital, elements that, although sometimes simple, encapsulate the style and construction technique of the era in which it was erected. Its architecture, devoid of elaborate ornaments, reflects the austerity and intrinsic symbolism of its purpose.
Its simple appearance and the solidity of the materials used tell the story of local artisanal mastery and the durability intended for a symbol of such importance. In detail, it is possible to appreciate the texture of the stone and how it was worked to erect a structure that has withstood the test of time, witnessing centuries of Portuguese history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.089697,-7.632901
Coordinates DMS: 41°05'22.9"N 07°37'58.4"W
Weather Goujoim
On-duty Pharmacy Goujoim
