Pillory of Lapa

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Viseu > Sernancelhe > Quintela > Lapa

Location:

The Pillory of Lapa is located in the village of Quintela, in the municipality of Sernancelhe, within the area historically known as Lapa. This monument stands at a central and visible point, remarkably marking the space of the settlement.

Its position was strategically chosen, situated near what was once the old prison and next to the main access of the town square, highlighting its importance in the historical urban fabric of the era.

Landmark of Autonomy and Justice:

Dating from the 18th century, presumably built around 1740, the Pillory of Lapa is a testament to the elevation of the locality to the status of a town. This event, granted by D. João V, conferred upon Lapa the status of a municipality with its own jurisdiction.

As was common at the time, the erection of the pillory symbolized the judicial and administrative authority of the town, where justice was administered and the power of the municipality was asserted. Its presence in the center of the community reinforced the autonomy achieved by Quintela in bygone days.

Architectural Details:

Built entirely of robust granite stonework, the Pillory of Lapa exhibits a "ball" typology, characteristic of its era. The base is composed of four simply carved, octagonal steps, rising harmoniously from the ground.

From the top step, an octagonal, smooth, and well-finished shaft emerges, extending three and a half meters in height. The ensemble culminates in an elaborately designed capital, with a toric rim and a subtle molding. The finial features carvings in spirals and volutes that stand out, some with vegetal decoration evoking a floral corolla, into which a stone sphere is set, like a gem. At the very top, a circular metal piece supports a vertical iron rod holding a flory cross. On the structure, the heraldic arms of the Vasconcelos family are still visible, ennobled by florets and a scallop shell, elements that link the monument to the seigniorial history of the region.

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