Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Santa Comba Dão > Óvoa > Souto
The Pillory of Ovoa is located in the heart of the village of Óvoa, within the municipality of Santa Comba Dão. It stands prominently in Largo da Praça, a central and flat area surrounded by two-story buildings and streets, creating a genuine and characteristic atmosphere of a Beira region locality. Its striking presence in the main square gives it a reference role in the local urban landscape.
This pillory has its roots in the history of Óvoa, dating back to the granting of the new royal charter in 1514, by D. Manuel. These royal documents were essential for the administrative organization of territories, and the construction of a pillory was a visible symbol of this new municipal autonomy and local judicial authority. Although its construction likely dates to the early 17th century, it reflects the historical weight and importance the locality acquired over the centuries. In the past, it served as a center for the application of justice, and today it is a historical-cultural landmark and a testament to the evolution of Óvoa.
The Pillory of Ovoa is a remarkable example of the "circular cage" type, an architectural form with classicizing features. Its structure rests on a circular three-step plinth, from which a robust Tuscan column rises. The most captivating element is its finial, a stylized cylindrical cage that develops in two tiers, with full-centered arches, and which was originally crowned by a small armillary sphere. Its singularity is accentuated by the combination of materials: the steps and the lower two-thirds of the base are made of granite, while the rest of the structure is built with Ançã stone (limestone), revealing a transition of styles or periods in its conception.
Recognized as a Property of Public Interest since 1933, the Pillory of Ovoa is one of the most significant elements of the built heritage in the region. Its presence in the center of the village invites a pause to appreciate its beauty and the history it represents. It is a point of interest that allows for an understanding of Óvoa's evolution, functioning as a link between the community's judicial past and cultural present, and an invitation to contemplate the features that define the identity of this place.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.381533,-8.131417
Coordinates DMS: 40°22'53.5"N 08°07'53.1"W
Weather Óvoa
On-duty Pharmacy Óvoa
