Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Mortágua > Mortágua > Coval
The Mortágua Pillory is located in the heart of the village, on Rua Dr. João Lopes Morais. This street, formerly known as Largo do Pelourinho, is situated in the Coval area, a central point of the locality. Although set in an urban environment with surrounding buildings, its presence marks a central historical point in the landscape of Mortágua, in the municipality of the same name.
This imposing Pillory was erected in the 16th century, following the granting of a new charter to the village by D. Manuel I, in 1514. Traditionally, pillories symbolized municipal autonomy and the judicial authority of the municipality. They were, therefore, physical markers of independence and the capacity for local justice administration. The history of Mortágua as a municipality, however, dates back to older times, with the first charter being granted by D. Dulce, queen and wife of D. Sancho I, as early as 1192.
The Mortágua Pillory is a stonework structure, notable for its classical composition. It rests on a quadrangular base of three steps, from which rises a cylindrical shaft of a slightly tapered shape. The shaft is adorned with two rings, one of them in twisted ribbon, revealing the influence of the Manueline style, despite natural wear. At the top, a quadrangular capital supports a monolithic cube-shaped block. This upper element is particularly significant, as its four faces, although with very degraded reliefs, were once carved with symbols representing royal power, the Order of Christ, the municipal coat of arms, and the arms of the donataries, such as the Dukes of Cadaval. In its construction, granite and sandstone were mainly used for the steps, and limestone for the shaft, capital, and finial, complemented by an iron hoop and hooks.
Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1933, the Mortágua Pillory is a valuable preserved heritage site. Over the centuries, this historical monument has witnessed and survived various vicissitudes, including natural degradation and accidents that led to its reconstruction at different times. Thanks to restoration interventions, its integrity has been preserved, keeping its original design alive. In 1940, the work of historian José A. Santos was fundamental in reconstituting the reliefs of the upper block, helping to unravel the symbols that, even today, despite the passage of time, tell us part of Mortágua's rich history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.396716,-8.229398
Coordinates DMS: 40°23'48.2"N 08°13'45.8"W
Weather Mortágua
On-duty Pharmacy Mortágua
