Pelourinho de Beja, Pillory in Beja, Portugal
The Pelourinho de Beja is a stone pillory standing in the Praça da República in Beja, Portugal. It consists of a stepped base, a twisted column, and a metal top with an armillary sphere and the Cross of Christ.
The original pillory dates back to the 16th century, when King Manuel I granted the city a new charter. It was moved and dismantled in the 19th century, then rebuilt in 1938 using some original pieces.
The pillory was once a symbol of local justice, where wrongdoers were publicly exposed. Today, it serves as a meeting point and a reminder of the city's past, often seen by locals passing through the square.
The monument stands in the open center of the square, so you can walk up to it at any time. The ground is flat and paved, making it easy to approach on foot.
The current structure is a reconstruction from 1938, and some of the original 16th-century elements are kept in the courtyard of Beja Castle. The metal top features an armillary sphere and the Cross of Christ, symbols of Portugal's Age of Discovery.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,647 contributors worldwide.
