Fancy a trip back to the 18th century? The Pelourinho de Paços de Ferreira stands before us. It is not just a stone pillar. It is a symbol of power and justice from a bygone era.
This Pelourinho de Paços de Ferreira is located in the district of Porto. It sits proudly in the parish of Paços de Ferreira. The Pelourinho de Paços de Ferreira’s story is deeply intertwined with the region’s history. The old village of Ferreira is mentioned in documents from the 11th century. It was a royal estate until the 18th century. Ferreira received its charter in 1514. This likely led to the construction of a pelourinho. However no trace of that original structure remains.
The current head of the Paços de Ferreira council is Santa Eulália. It was once a property of the Guimarães Monastery. Santa Eulália never had a charter. In 1836, it was decided that this location would be the council’s headquarters. The Pelourinho de Paços de Ferreira stands in front of the 19th-century Paços do Concelho building in Santa Eulália. It is thought that some 16th-century elements from an earlier pillory were used in its construction. No evidence exists of a pillory in Santa Eulália before 1836.
The Pelourinho de Paços de Ferreira features a simple square platform with two steps. A monolithic base supports the cylindrical shaft. Atop the shaft is a plain capital. It transitions into a square abacus. The highlight is a prismatic block. One side displays the national coat of arms with a crown. The other faces are decorated with moldings. A roughly hewn pinnacle sits above the crown. It possibly represents a helmet.
The Paços do Concelho building was built between 1910 and 1918. It is likely that the Pelourinho de Paços de Ferreira was erected around the same time. The structure incorporates older elements in its design. This monument shares similarities with those in Paredes and Louredo.
The Pelourinho de Paços de Ferreira was classified as a Public Interest Property in 1933. This classification acknowledges its historical and cultural importance.
Take a closer look. Feel the stone beneath your fingertips. Imagine the proclamations read here. Picture justice being dispensed. The Pelourinho de Paços de Ferreira is more than a monument. It is a tangible link to Portugal’s rich past.