Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Sátão > Silvã de Cima > Silvã de Baixo
In the heart of the Viseu region, in the municipality of Sátão, stands the Pillory of Silvã de Cima. Although it is physically located in the village of Silvã de Baixo, its name refers to its proximity and historical connection with the neighboring Silvã de Cima. This monument is set in a serene rural environment, characteristic of Portuguese villages, where stone and nature intertwine, inviting a moment of contemplation.
Its position within the village of Silvã de Baixo gives it a notable presence, allowing visitors to observe the daily life of the village unfolding around it, framed by the gentle landscape of the Viseu district.
The Pillory of Silvã de Cima is a silent witness to past eras, a landmark that once symbolized the judicial and administrative autonomy of a community. These monuments, present in many Portuguese localities, were the central point of public life, where charters were read, laws were proclaimed, and, at times, justice was administered. It was a fundamental element in the social and political organization of medieval and modern municipalities and towns.
Its presence evokes the importance of municipal power and how order was maintained in rural communities, serving as a tangible link between the present and the daily lives of ancestors who lived here and witnessed its function.
Built of granite, an abundant and characteristic material of the Viseu region, the Pillory of Silvã de Cima features the classic structure of these constructions. It is generally composed of a robust base that rises to a shaft, culminating in a capital that supports the finial. Although its design can be sober or more elaborate, each stone detail evokes the mastery of local artisans.
The form and decorative elements of the pillory reflect, to a greater or lesser extent, the style of the era of its construction and the wealth of its community, giving it a distinct presence in the public space of the village.
More than a simple stone column, the Pillory of Silvã de Cima is a visible link to local and national history. It remains as a guardian of memory, inviting those who observe it to reflect on the traditions and way of life of yesteryear. Its endurance in the center of the village underscores the importance it had in community life, being today an element that enriches the cultural and architectural landscape of Silvã de Baixo, perpetuating its legacy for future generations.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.72371,-7.674375
Coordinates DMS: 40°43'25.4"N 07°40'27.8"W
Weather Silvã de Cima
On-duty Pharmacy Silvã de Cima
