Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Sátão > Quinta das Lameiras
Located in the village of Douro Calvo, in the municipality of Sátão, the Pelourinho of Douro Calvo stands where the old village centre once was. Although the surrounding area has evolved, the pelourinho remains a highly visible landmark in the village's urban fabric, near an important road. Its presence marks a place with history, inviting a pause for observation and reflection.
This granite monument was erected in the 16th century, likely after King Manuel I granted a new charter to the village in 1514. Its construction marks a period of significant autonomy for the locality. Before that, in 1315, King Dinis had already granted a charter to Douro Calvo. Originally, a pelourinho was a symbol of justice and municipal authority, marking the place where punishments were carried out and royal edicts proclaimed.
Crafted from robust granite masonry, the Pelourinho of Douro Calvo stands out for its particular 'ball-type' shape. It rests on a base of two square steps, placed directly on a natural rock outcrop, which gives it an organic connection to the terrain. The shaft, or column, begins as quadrangular with chamfered edges, evolving into an octagonal section that smooths out as it approaches the top. The capital features a smooth cylindrical collar, topped by a moulding that culminates in a sphere, characteristic of its 16th-century style.
Recognized as a Property of Public Interest since 1933, this pelourinho has transcended its original judicial function to become a historical-cultural landmark. Its enduring presence in the landscape of Douro Calvo invites reflection on the past and the transformations of the community. It is an element that, through its simplicity and solidity, remains a testament to local history and identity, offering visitors a point of interest and a connection to the region's roots.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.758129,-7.646064
Coordinates DMS: 40°45'29.3"N 07°38'45.8"W
Weather Quinta das Lameiras
On-duty Pharmacy Quinta das Lameiras
