Pillory of Sever

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Viseu > Moimenta da Beira > Moimenta da Beira > Sever

Location

The Pillory of Sever stands in the urban development of Sever, a locality integrated into the municipality of Moimenta da Beira. It is located in a small square, surrounded by urban buildings, lending it an atmosphere of closeness to the daily life of the town.

Historical Legacy

This pillory probably dates back to the 17th century, although the exact date of its construction is unknown. In the past, these monuments had a judicial function, symbolizing the power and autonomy of the localities. The Pillory of Sever was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1933, a recognition of its value as a historical-cultural landmark of the region. Today, it represents a testimony to the role it played in the administration of local justice.

Form and Symbolism

Carved from granite stonework, this pillory exhibits a particular structure. It begins with a quadrangular base of two steps, from which emerges a smooth, octagonal shaft. At the top, it transforms into a square section, crowned by a cubic finial. This top is enriched with small cylindrical colonettes at each corner and features heraldic elements, although the escutcheons on its east face no longer display their original shields. Its heraldic aesthetic transports us to the symbolism of stone markers that, in other times, marked the Portuguese presence in distant lands.

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