Pillory of Magueijinha

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Viseu > Lamego > Magueijinha

Location and Setting

The Magueijinha Pillory is located in the heart of the tranquil village of Magueijinha, belonging to the municipality of Lamego, in the district of Viseu. It stands in a small square, easily accessible and visible, naturally integrated into the urban area of the settlement. Its striking presence lends the place a sense of history and centrality, inviting a moment of observation and tranquility in the calm rural environment.

Architectural Features

This pillory, dating from the 17th century, is a remarkable example of the judicial architecture of the period. It stands on a quadrangular base with four steps, which support a monolithic octagonal shaft. The most distinctive element is, without doubt, its finial: a bell-shaped pinnacle, crowned by a flattened sphere. The piece is entirely built from granite ashlar, a material that gives it robustness and an imposing appearance, characteristic of the region's durable constructions.

Attentive observers may also notice a metal ring fixed approximately halfway up the shaft and some inscriptions engraved on the finial, including a date, 1669, direct evidence of its original construction.

Memory and Symbolism

The original function of the Magueijinha Pillory was judicial, serving as a symbol of the locality's royal autonomy and jurisdiction. It was here that penalties were displayed and applied, representing power and order within the community. Over time, its utility changed, and today it is recognized as an important historical-cultural landmark. Its presence evokes a past where small settlements held their own justice system, reflecting the daily life and administrative structure of Magueijinha from other centuries.

Classified as a Property of Public Interest, the pillory is a heritage site that invites reflection on the social and legal evolution of the territory, keeping alive the memory of an era and its role in the identity of the local community.

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