Usually erected in the square opposite the Casa da Câmara, Symbols of the municipal judicial power, here delinquents were exposed for public shame and physical penalties were applied, such as flogging, penalties imposed by the local authorities. Sever do Vouga had two pillories. The pillory of Couto de Esteves 1128, and that of Sever do Vouga 1514.

Pillory of Couto de Esteves:

Observing the different architectural elements of Couto de Esteves allows one to guess the antiquity of this locality. However, it is in the marks of time left on its pillory that this reading becomes indisputable. This pillory, apparently a very archaic work, probably medieval, is considered to be “with a ball with a rounded top”. In fact, the first charter of Couto de Esteves was assigned by D. Teresa and D. Afonso Henriques in 1128, at a time before nationality, when Couto de Esteves belonged to the Monastery of Lorvão.

Pillory of Sever do Vouga:

Sever do Vouga received a charter on April 29, 1514, by D. Manuel II, becoming an autonomous county. Symbols of municipal power are the Pelourinho and the former Casa da Câmara, with a jail on the ground floor. In this place there was the chapel of São Brás, built by the prison inmates, so they could attend mass through the barred window that can still be seen.

(The Pelourinhos of Sever do Vouga and Couto de Esteves are classified as Properties of Public Interest by Decree-Law nº 23-122, of October 11, 1933.)

– Couto de Esteves is a parish belonging to the municipality of Sever do Vouga, which was once a village and county seat, following the charter given to it by D. Teresa and D. Afonso Henriques, in the year 1128.

Couto de Esteves was the county seat until 1836.

  – Here begin the PR6; PR7 and PR8

Source: https://granderota.riadeaveiro.pt/pois/pelourinho-de-couto-esteves/