Pillory of Braga
Pillory of Braga (Pelourinho de Braga) is a 15th‑century granite column that stood as a symbol of Braga’s political, administrative, and judicial power. It is located in the Maximinos, Sé e Cividade parish, near the Sé Cathedral in Braga, Portugal.
History: The pillory was likely erected in front of the municipal palace and the cathedral in the 15th century and was probably re‑erected in the 16th century. It was moved to Campo de Santana around 1694, then shown again in front of the cathedral arcades by 1750. Some accounts say there were two pillories, others that there was only one. Between 1834 and 1844 it was moved to the Campo de Touros (the municipal square). On 20 July 1853 it was demolished; fragments were kept in the cathedral cloister and later rebuilt near a fountain in the same area.
Description: The granite structure sits on a three‑step base, with a rectangular capital on top. Its inscribed faces feature armillary spheres and the coats of arms of the archbishop and the king. The arms include those of D. Diogo de Sousa, archbishop around 1505, and those of Friar Bartolomeu dos Mártires, bishop from 1559, suggesting the monument is older than the 16th century.
Significance: The pillory reflects Braga’s long ties to the Church, contributing to the city’s nickname as the Portuguese Rome.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 15:56 (CET).