Description of the attraction
The pillar of Pelourinho de Barcelos, surrounded by green flower beds, stands in front of the 13th century Romanesque-Gothic church of Santa Maria de Barcelos and is the hallmark of the city. Locals also call it "Pikota".
Pelourinho de Barcelos was built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries and was used for public punishment and humiliation. The pillar is built in the late Gothic style and consists of steps, a base and a hexagonal column topped with a magnificent multi-faceted lantern. The decoration in the form of a lantern is quite a typical feature of the late Gothic style in architecture.
In the Middle Ages in Europe, the pillar of shame was very often used for public punishment. Sometimes punishment was accompanied by flogging, which sometimes led to death. In Portugal, the pillar of shame was called "pelurinho". It occupies one of the most important places among the historical monuments. It is in Portugal that pelurinho has been mentioned since the Romanesque period. Usually the pillar of shame was installed either in the central square of the city, or in front of the main church or palace. Pelurinho was usually built of stone in the form of a column, which was decorated with carvings at the top. Some pelurinos are even decorated with royal coats of arms and are considered major local attractions. During the reign of Prince Bragança, thieves were chained to Pelourinho de Barcelos. Sometimes innocent people were punished, as happened with a pilgrim who was unjustly accused of stealing. To prove his innocence, he prayed to Saint James that the roast cock, which the judge was going to eat, would come to life. And the rooster came to life, and the pilgrim was released. Since then, cockerels have become a symbol of Portugal and are believed to bring good luck.
