Pillory of Ucanha

Category: Archaeology > Pillory

District: Viseu > Tarouca > Ucanha

Location

The Ucanha Pillory stands in the locality of Ucanha, part of the municipality of Tarouca. It is situated in a small square, formed by the widening of what was once the main street of the old Village of Couto de Salzedas. Its mid-slope position gives it natural visibility, fitting into the characteristic urban ambiance of the settlement.

The square where the pillory is located, in Cimbres, is a meeting and contemplation point, surrounded by buildings that suggest the former importance of the site. The tranquil environment invites a stop to observe the structure and its historical context.

A Historical Testament

The Ucanha Pillory is a landmark with deep roots in the region's history. Although its construction is conjecturally dated to the 17th century, this monument refers to an earlier period, when Ucanha assumed the distinction of being the head of the Couto de Salzedas, after the granting of a charter by King Manuel I in 1504.

At that time, the pillory symbolized the jurisdiction and power of the council, being the place where public justice was applied. Despite having been demolished during the Liberal Wars and later rebuilt in 1935, its presence continues to be a link to Ucanha's administrative and judicial past, which would only be definitively integrated into the municipality of Tarouca in 1898.

Granite Details

Built entirely of granite ashlar, the Ucanha Pillory is a robust piece with simple lines. Its base consists of four smooth octagonal steps, supporting an octagonal shaft column.

Approximately halfway up the shaft, a decorative ring, composed of mouldings, and an epigraph whose characters are now almost illegible, can be observed. The capital, with an Ionic inspiration, stands out for its angular volutes and the representation of the royal arms, visible on one of its faces, albeit with a particular heraldic interpretation. The unique height of the current shaft is the result of the restoration intervention the monument underwent in the 20th century, consolidating its form and presence in the square.

Symbol of the Village

Classified as a Property of Public Interest, the Ucanha Pillory has transcended its original judicial function to become a central element in the cultural and historical identity of the village. Today, it is a point of interest that invites visitors to Ucanha to reflect on the importance of pillories in the administrative and social landscape of ancient Portugal.

This monument, despite not having a formal finial that would allow its traditional typological classification, remains a symbol of the locality's autonomy and heritage. Its presence in the heart of Ucanha invites an immersion into the history and daily life that unfolded there over the centuries.

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