Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Viseu > Povolide > Vilar da Ordem
The Pillory of Povolide is located in the village of Povolide, in Vilar da Ordem, which belongs to the municipality of Viseu. This historical landmark is situated in Largo da Capela, a space that serves as a central point in the local community's life, inviting passers-by to a quiet observation of its surroundings.
In times past, Povolide was an autonomous town and a municipal seat, a status it maintained until the mid-19th century. The Pillory, likely erected in the 16th century, is a tangible representation of that era of administrative and judicial importance. Its construction, presumed to have occurred after the granting of the charter by King Manuel I in 1513, symbolized the power and authority the town held, marking the place where seigniorial jurisdiction was exercised.
Currently, the Pillory of Povolide survives as a cylindrical fragment of granite ashlar, remaining from its original 16th-century form. Throughout its history, the monument suffered damage and was removed from its original location. In the 20th century, the pillar's shaft was cleverly repurposed to support a stone table, giving it new utility as a cultural and recreational landmark for the community. Its patrimonial value is formally recognized, being classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1933, and it benefited from a restoration in 2017 that helped preserve its history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.673222,-7.785328
Coordinates DMS: 40°40'23.6"N 07°47'7.2"W
Weather Povolide
On-duty Pharmacy Povolide
