Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory
District: Viseu > Tarouca > Várzea da Serra
The Pillory of Várzea da Serra is located in the heart of the village of Várzea da Serra, in the municipality of Tarouca. It stands in a small square, where several roads meet, giving it a central presence in the urban fabric.
Situated on a flat surface, this monument is a prominent feature in the local landscape, harmonizing with its surroundings. In front, a granite slab bench invites a peaceful break, ideal for observing the structure and the life around it, in an area characterized by its scenic interest.
Probably built between the 16th and 17th centuries, the Pillory of Várzea da Serra is a testament to the judicial and administrative history of the region. Originally, these monuments were symbols of local authority, where justice was administered and government decisions were posted.
Its existence in this settlement, which in the Middle Ages was a "beetria" (a community with autonomy to elect its lord), and which by the 18th century already had judges and councilors, underlines the crucial role this pillory played as a landmark of local autonomy and power. It is a visible link to the past, transporting us to the times when law was decided and enforced here.
Built entirely from granite ashlar, the Pillory of Várzea da Serra features a solid and distinctive structure. The base is an octagonal plinth with two steps, on which rises an octagonal shaft, about three meters high. On the lower part of the shaft, a groove can be observed, formerly used for attaching the iron restraint.
The top is crowned by a wide capital supporting a quadrangular abacus. Above this, a parallelepiped piece with raised edges stands out, culminating in a flattened stone sphere. On one of its sides, traces of a cartouche with the ancient national arms are still discernible, a detail that adds historical and artistic value to this classified Property of Public Interest.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.997211,-7.82774
Coordinates DMS: 40°59'50.0"N 07°49'39.9"W
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