Pillory - Vila do Conde

This pillory stands in front of the town hall.

It was built by council decree in 1538 and stands on an octagonal base. The shaft is twisted in the shape of a rope , in Manueline style. On top is the sword of justice, made of iron, held by an arm protruding from the tip of the spire. The capital bears the royal coat of arms . On the sides of the base of the pillory are legends referring to the various locations in the city.

It replaced an earlier wooden pillory in Praça Velha. The two pillories existed side by side for a number of years. In 1539, this new pillory in Praça Nova was destroyed by a popular uprising . The pillory was rebuilt and moved in 1582 to Praça da Ribeira, next to the Ave River and the shipyards. It was not until 1913 that it returned to this location next to the Town Hall.

Willem Vandenameele