Pillory of Vouzela

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillory

District: Viseu > Vouzela > Vouzela > Vouzela e Paços de Vilharigues

Location

The Pillory of Vouzela stands in a central space of the town, in Praça da República, a meeting and transit point in the urban area. It is isolated in the middle of the square, surrounded by roadways and two-story buildings, some of which have a long history, dating back to the 16th century. Its position offers a clear point of reference for those exploring the locality.

Memory in Stone

This granite monument, likely dating from the 18th century, is a remnant of Vouzela's administrative and judicial past. At the time of its construction, pillories were symbols of a town or municipality's autonomy and authority, serving as a place for the administration of justice and the reading of edicts. Although its original function ceased long ago, the Vouzela Pillory remains an important historical-cultural landmark, bearing witness to the local community's evolution.

Architectural Details

The Vouzela Pillory stands out for its elegant structure, carved in granite ashlar. It consists of a three-step base, upon which rests a prismatic pedestal with moldings. The shaft, or main body, has an obelisk-like shape, with smooth faces and rounded edges, adorned with vertical flutes. At the top, a spherical capital is decorated with vegetal motifs, and from it emerge iron elements ending in curved points, resembling plumes or ears of grain. The entire ensemble culminates in a finial that incorporates a small iron sphere, giving it an imposing presence in the public space.

An Itinerant Piece

The history of the Vouzela Pillory is also the history of its different locations within the town. Initially, it was erected in front of the old Courthouse, marking its judicial function. In the late 19th century, it was moved to a square behind the Town Hall (Paços do Concelho). Finally, around 1935, it found its current location in Praça da República, where it remains today. These changes of place reflect Vouzela's urban dynamics and transformations throughout the centuries, transforming it into a symbol that accompanied the town's growth.

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