Pillory of Penalva do Castelo

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Viseu > Penalva do Castelo > Sangemil > Ínsua

Location

The Pillory of Penalva do Castelo is situated in the heart of the village, more precisely in Largo do Município. It is positioned in front of the building where the Town Hall once operated, set within a tranquil urban environment, complemented by a surrounding garden that offers a serene space for a stop and observation.

A Historic and Authoritative Landmark

This imposing ashlar monument dates back to the 16th century and is intimately linked to the history of Penalva do Castelo. Its construction is associated with the granting of the Foral Novo (New Charter) by D. Manuel I in 1514, an event that marked the elevation of the old settlement of Castendo (the village's former name) to a county seat, granting it administrative and judicial autonomy. Originally, the pillory served as a visible symbol of local power and justice, marking the place where sentences were read and penalties carried out. In 1933, it was recognized as a Property of Public Interest, safeguarding its historical and patrimonial relevance for future generations.

Architectural Details

The Pillory of Penalva do Castelo is a remarkable piece of fine-grained granite architecture. Its structure is composed of three quadrangular steps serving as a base, upon which a column of considerable height rises. The shaft of the column, initially quadrangular, elegantly transitions into an octagonal shape through chamfers, culminating in a simple capital. The most distinctive element, however, is its finial in the shape of a closed "cage". This peculiar octagonal cage has small openings or slits, arranged at the cardinal points, and is crowned by a pyramidal pinnacle that ends in a small sphere, giving the pillory a unique aesthetic and an unusual design among Portuguese pillories.

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