Images of Portugal: Pelourinho de Ansião, Leiria District
The Pelourinho de Ansião in the small town of Ansião in central Portugal dates from 1683. It now stands in front of the Parish Council building (Junta de Freguesia de Ansião) after being repaired and moved from its original location in the early 20th century.
Pillories (pelourinhos) in Portugal served as the primary symbols of municipal autonomy, as well as royal authority and the administration of justice from the medieval and Manueline eras onward. The eight stone balls at the base represent each parish in the municipality and were added in 1898. It features a graceful octagonal shaft (fuste oitavado) and a finely worked upper section adorned with the coat of arms (armas) of the Count of Ericeira (Conde da Ericeira), along with historical inscriptions.
Ansião itself is a town of just over 11,000 people located in the district of Leiria in the historical region of Beira Litoral. The small town lies on the Camino de Santiago and has the usual history of occupation of settlements in this part of central Portugal by Romans, Visigoths, and Moors.
Address: Largo do Pelourinho, 3240-126 Ansião, Portugal.
