Pillory

Idanha-a-Velha

Symbol of the municipal autonomy of Idanha-a-Velha, and of the settlement effort of Manueline policies, the pillory is located in the church square. Built in the 16^th century, its round platform with three steps, on which a square base rests, decorated with a rosette in each of the bevelled corners has been preserved. On top of this sits the eight-sided column which supports a round capital, with faded shields on the sides and the armillary sphere, the royal arms, the cross of Christ and an unidentified coat of arms at each of its corners. It has a pinnacle-shaped finial, topped by a cross-shaped iron vane. The column still conserves the remains of the clamping irons.