Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Moimenta da Beira > Leomil
The Pillory of Leomil is located in the heart of the village of Leomil, in Moimenta da Beira, Viseu. It stands prominently in Largo do Pelourinho, a wide cobbled square that gently slopes eastward. This central space, where a fountain can also be seen, is framed by two and three-story buildings, giving the monument a traditional and welcoming urban setting.
Dating back to the 16th century, the Leomil Pillory is a remarkable testament to the municipal autonomy and justice that the village of Leomil once possessed. In times past, this type of monument marked the seat of a municipality, being the place where penalties were executed and charters and royal decisions proclaimed. Its presence recalls the historical importance of Leomil, which functioned as its own municipality from the 12th century until its extinction in 1855, when it was integrated into Moimenta da Beira.
Built in solid granite masonry, the Leomil Pillory features a robust and distinctive structure. It stands on an octagonal plinth composed of four smooth, stepped levels. Its shaft, approximately 4 meters high, begins with a square section that transforms into an octagonal one through chamfers, remaining smooth up to the capital. The finial is distinguished by its open "cage" shape, adorned with eight small grooved cylindrical colonettes. At the top, a polygonal dome, also octagonal, culminates in an armillary sphere, a symbol of power and science in the Age of Discoveries. Four stone pieces, known as "frades" (friars), flank the base, completing its imposing presence in the square.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.983856,-7.653704
Coordinates DMS: 40°59'1.9"N 07°39'13.3"W
Weather Leomil
On-duty Pharmacy Leomil
