Pillory of Lisbon, Historic site at Santa Maria Maior square, Lisbon, Portugal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
