Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Oliveira de Frades > Oliveira de Frades > Centro
The Pillory of Oliveira de Frades is located in a spacious triangular square, a pleasant and pedestrian urban space in the heart of the locality. This square, cobbled and free from car traffic, is framed by old buildings, some of them restored, which give the place a traditional atmosphere. Its central and isolated position highlights the presence of the pillory, inviting a pause for observation.
This pillory represents a symbol of the judicial and administrative autonomy that the old town of Oliveira de Frades gained over the centuries. In the past, these stone landmarks were erected to mark the municipal seat and local power, serving as a stage for the administration of justice. Currently, its function is cultural and recreational, serving as an evocative element of the community's history.
Built mostly from granite ashlar, the Pillory of Oliveira de Frades presents a robust structure. It consists of a quadrangular plinth, raised by a step, from which a cylindrical shaft rises. At the top, this shaft culminates in a smooth sphere and a cylindrical finial, organized into two stepped registers. Its simple aesthetics and the materiality of the stone integrate it harmoniously into the local urban landscape.
The history of the Pillory of Oliveira de Frades is marked by moments of disappearance and reconstruction, reflecting the resilience of local heritage. Although its original construction is conjecturally from the 19th century, it is known that throughout the 20th century it was subjected to several attempts at recovery and relocation. Original fragments, such as the base and the shaft, were rediscovered and reused, contributing to its current configuration. This trajectory of comings and goings culminated in its definitive position in 1995, consolidating it as a lasting landmark of Oliveira de Frades' identity.
The importance of this pillory is officially recognized, having been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1933. This classification underlines its historical and cultural value for the region, ensuring its preservation as an integral part of Portuguese patrimonial legacy. Its presence in the center of the village offers a tangible link to the past, inviting reflection on ancient forms of social and legal organization.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.732344,-8.175113
Coordinates DMS: 40°43'56.4"N 08°10'30.4"W
Weather Oliveira de Frades
On-duty Pharmacy Oliveira de Frades
