Pillory of Lisbon, Historic site at Santa Maria Maior square, Lisbon, Portugal.
Description
The Pillory of Lisbon is a marble structure on a central square featuring a tall pillar topped with a metal armillary sphere. The monument sits surrounded by decorative Portuguese pavement in geometric patterns and serves as a visible landmark in the city center.
History
An earlier version stood at this location beginning in 1179 but was destroyed during the major earthquake of 1755. The structure visible today was built in 1619 to replace what had been lost.
Culture
The structure marks the heart of the square and locals view it as a symbol of municipal power and authority. It represents how the city governed itself and enforced its rules throughout the centuries.
Practical
The monument is located in the old city center and is easy to reach on foot, especially when exploring the area near the cathedral. The square around it offers multiple pathways and access points for visitors to approach from different directions.
Did you know?
Just one documented public execution took place here, when a military officer was put to death in 1790. This rare event shows the structure was more than symbolic, even if its original purpose was seldom carried out.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Santa Maria Maior).
Praça do Comércio
251 m
Rua Augusta Arch
212 m
Livraria Bertrand
334 m
Dom José I
244 m
Teatro Nacional de São Carlos
266 m
Cais das Colunas
299 m
Museo de Chiado
280.8 km
Basilica of Our Lady of the Martyrs, Lisboa
332 m
Teatro São Luiz
312 m
Lisbon City Hall
60 m
Galerias Romanas da Rua da Prata
271 m
Museu do Chiado
188 m
Ribeira das Naus
59 m
Lisbon History Centre
333 m
Grandes Armazéns do Chiado
330 m
The National Museum of Contemporary Art
161 m
MUDE - Museu do Design e da Moda
227 m
Elevador do Município
80 m
Museu da Cerveja
314 m
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário ou Igreja do Corpo Santo
292 m
Mude
276 m
Millennium bcp
271 m
Galerias Romanas
291 m
Museu do Dinheiro
68 m
Arsenal da Marinha
195 m
Antiga Casa da Sorte, incluindo o património artístico integrado
325 m
Edifício no Largo Corpo Santo, n. 19 - 22
255 m
Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros
278 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes