Pelourinho

I saw the entrance to the village had signs with the word "Pelourinho". I didn't know what it meant and wanted to find out. I found a square surrounded by ancient houses, rustic and traditional, and in the center was this pillory, which seems to be the most important historical monument and hallmark in the town. In 1933 it was declared Public Interest Property (IIP). It is made of granite, and consists of a circular column, finished in a sort of cone placed on a pedestal step. The coat of arms of Portugal is carved at the top, but it's strange because they are inverted. It dates from 1512 and is due to the historical fact of granting a charter.