Pelourinho Chaves
A 16th-century Manueline pillory in Chaves, Portugal, showcasing intricate carvings and historical significance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Pelourinho Chaves
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 16th-century Manueline pillory in Chaves, Portugal, showcasing intricate carvings and historical significance.
"A beautiful and historically significant monument with intricate Manueline architecture."
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate carvings and symbolic elements for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Square
The surrounding Praça Constituição is also beautiful; take time to walk around. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manueline Column Shaft
Praça Constituição
Intricate spiral carvings adorn the granite column, a testament to Portugal's Age of Discovery.
Coats of Arms
Capital of the column
See the detailed carvings of the Chaves and Portuguese royal coats of arms.
Armillary Sphere
Top of the column
A symbolic representation of navigation and the Portuguese Empire, crowning the monument.
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Planning Your Visit
Understand its History
Appreciate the Architecture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate carvings and symbolic elements for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Square
The surrounding Praça Constituição is also beautiful; take time to walk around. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Concerns
Some visitors note cars can obstruct views of the square. Be patient for clear shots. :red_car:
📜 Understand its History
Learn about its dismantling and reconstruction to appreciate its significance. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate carvings and symbolic elements for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Square
The surrounding Praça Constituição is also beautiful; take time to walk around. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Concerns
Some visitors note cars can obstruct views of the square. Be patient for clear shots. :red_car:
📜 Understand its History
Learn about its dismantling and reconstruction to appreciate its significance. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Pelourinho of Chaves to be a beautiful and historically significant monument, particularly appreciating its intricate Manueline architecture and symbolic carvings. The surrounding square is also noted for its pleasant atmosphere. However, some find that vehicle parking in the square can detract from the overall aesthetic and viewing experience.
"Foi apeado em 1870 para ser reerguido em 1910, antecedendo nova deslocação e reposição, o fuste da coluna do Pelourinho ergue-se sobre grande paralelipipédico chanfrado nos ângulos e moldurado inferior e superiormente, inscrevendo-se no estilo Manuelino pelos toros espiralados que o compõem.
It was lowered in 1870 to be re-erected in 1910, preceding a new displacement and replacement, the shaft of the column of Pelourinho stands on large paralelipipédic bevelled at the angles and framed lower and upper, inscribing in the Manueline style by the spiral tori that compose it."
Tony Zekinha
"The "pelourinho" (pilory, or pillory) of Chaves, dating from 1515, is in the Manueline style. Its most notable feature is its capital, on which the coat of arms of Chaves and Portugal are carved. Dismantled in 1870, it was rebuilt in 1910."
Francisco Javier Perez Rodriguez
"Arquitectura comemorativa, do séc. 20. Memória de pelourinho de tabuleiro, com soco de cinco degraus quadrangulares, de onde evolui base cúbica e fuste torso com colunelos. Remata em tabuleiro e pequenos colunelos, de onde se eleva um colunelo central, com esfera armilar. Pelourinho com quatro colunelos nos ângulos e esfera armilar central acrescentados numa das reconstruções do séc. 20.
Estrutura em cantaria de granito, composta por soco de planta quadrangular, de cinco degraus. Do lado E. possui mais um degrau, devido ao declive do pavimento da Praça. Plinto prismático com molduras e chanfro nas arestas, de onde evolui fuste torso, constituído por três elementos, suportando um capitel com molduras e um friso com decoração vegetalista. De um lado do capitel as armas do reino, do outro as de Chaves: brasão com as armas de Portugal, com bordadura de oito castelos, ladeado por duas chaves com grandes palhetões de três dentes voltados para cima e para o centro; servindo de apoio, troço de ponte constituído por quatro arcos. Sobre os cantos do tabuleiro formado pelo capitel destacam-se quatro colunelos torcidos, tendo ao centro um outro liso e maior, encimado por bocel e esfera armilar.
Classificado como Imóvel de Interesse Público."
João Jaques
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pelourinho Chaves is located in the heart of Chaves, Portugal, specifically in Praça Constituição. If you are driving, there is parking nearby, though some visitors have noted it can sometimes obstruct views of the square. Public transport options within Chaves will likely lead you to the city center, from where it's a short walk. :bus: :taxi:
Yes, the Pelourinho is situated in a central public square, making it easily accessible on foot once you are in the city center of Chaves. The surrounding area is generally flat and pedestrian-friendly. :walking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Pelourinho is an outdoor monument located in a public square, Praça Constituição. There is no admission fee, and you can view it at any time. :free:
As it's an outdoor monument in a public square, there are no specific opening hours. You can visit it 24/7. However, consider visiting during daylight hours for the best viewing and photography opportunities. :sunriseovermountains:
Absolutely! The Pelourinho of Chaves dates back to 1515 and is a significant example of Manueline architecture. It's classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest). :historic_building:
📸 📸 Photography
For the best light, aim for weekday mornings when crowds are low, or late afternoons during the golden hour. These times offer softer light and fewer people, making for better shots of the intricate details. :camerawithflash:
Focus on the detailed Manueline carvings on the column shaft, the spiral tori, the coats of arms of Chaves and Portugal on the capital, and the symbolic armillary sphere at the top. The surrounding square also offers good framing opportunities. :iphone:
No, there are no specific photography restrictions as it is a public monument. However, be mindful of other visitors and the surrounding environment. :camera:
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The Pelourinho Chaves is primarily in the Manueline style, characterized by its ornate decorations, spiral carvings, and maritime motifs. It also features elements from its 20th-century reconstructions. :classical_building:
Historically, a 'pelourinho' was a public monument marking a town's jurisdiction and serving as a place for public punishment. The Chaves Pelourinho, dating from 1515, is a symbol of the town's historical importance and its connection to the Portuguese Empire. :scroll:
No, the Pelourinho has a complex history of dismantling and reconstruction. It was lowered in 1870 and re-erected in 1910, with further modifications in the 20th century. Its current form reflects these historical interventions. :building_construction:
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Manueline Masterpiece
While the original structure dates to 1515, its journey through time has been tumultuous. It was dismantled in 1870 and subsequently rebuilt in 1910, with further reconstructions in the 20th century. These interventions mean the Pelourinho you see today is a blend of original elements and later interpretations, yet it powerfully evokes the grandeur of its era. Its classification as a Property of Public Interest underscores its architectural and historical importance.
A Symbol of Justice and Power
The Pelourinho of Chaves, therefore, represents more than just an artistic achievement; it is a tangible link to the town's past governance and social order. Its prominent location in Praça Constituição highlights its central role in the community's life. Even though its punitive function has long ceased, its historical significance as a marker of civic authority and a place of historical memory remains potent.
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