Pelourinho de Vila do Conde

Journey back to 1538. Imagine the newly constructed Pelourinho de Vila do Conde standing proudly in Praça Nova, now known as Praça Vasco da Gama. This pillory, commissioned by the town council, wasn’t merely a structure. It was a symbol of municipal jurisdiction. The Pelourinho de Vila do Conde, built in the Manueline style, boasts a twisted shaft shaped like a rope. It’s topped with the iron sword of justice, held by a sculpted arm. The pillory rests on an octagonal base. A royal coat of arms adorns the capital. The pedestal’s faces bear inscriptions. These inscriptions tell tales of the pillory’s various locations throughout the city. The Pelourinho de Vila do Conde’s story, however, is one of displacement and resilience. A year after its construction, a popular uprising led to its destruction. Reconstructed, it was moved in 1582 to Praça da Ribeira, near the Ave River and shipyards. It wasn’t until 1913 that the Pelourinho de Vila do Conde returned to its original home near the Paços do Concelho. Interestingly, for a time, Vila do Conde had two pillories. An older wooden one stood in Praça Velha. This older pillory coexisted with the Pelourinho de Vila do Conde for several years. Today, the Pelourinho de Vila do Conde stands as a testament to the town’s history. It’s a reminder of the power, justice, and resilience embedded within Vila do Conde’s story.