Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Tabuaço > Tabuaço
The Pillory of Tabuaço is located in the heart of the village, in Tabuaço, situated within the pleasant Jardim Conde Ferreira (Conde Ferreira Garden). It is located in Praceta dos Pelourinhos, an urban and inviting area situated on a hillside, offering a point of tranquility and reflection in the center of the locality.
Pillories, once markers of authority and justice in Portuguese villages, symbolized municipal autonomy. The Pillory of Tabuaço, whose original construction probably dates back to the 16th century, bears witness to the elevation of the settlement to a county seat in the 15th century. Over the centuries, the monument faced a tumultuous journey: after standing in the old Largo da Fonte (Fountain Square), it was dismantled and its fragments eventually dispersed.
However, its importance to the identity of Tabuaço led to its reconstruction in 2001. Erected based on historical photographs, the current pillory is a faithful representation of the original, perpetuating its memory in the public space.
Built of robust granite ashlar, the Pillory of Tabuaço stands out for its composition. It rests on a square plinth with three steps, upon which rises an octagonal, smooth, and prismatic shaft. At the top, an octagonal capital, with concave moldings and a small pyramid as a finial, gives it a distinct aesthetic.
One face of the capital also features a discreet cartouche. Its architectural style is notably different from other pillories existing in the municipality of Tabuaço, which generally feature chamfered shafts and more bulbous capitals. This singularity makes it a distinct architectural element and a point of interest for those who appreciate the history and art of stone.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.116452,-7.567681
Coordinates DMS: 41°06'59.2"N 07°34'3.7"W