Pillory Pelourinho de Barcelos is surrounded by green beds is in front of the Romanesque-Gothic church of Santa Maria de Barcelos the XIII century and is the hallmark of the city. The locals also called "Picota".

Pelourinho de Barcelos was built in the late XV - early XVI centuries and has been used for public punishment and humiliation. Pillory was built in the late Gothic style, and consists of steps, base, and hexagonal columns, topped with a magnificent multi-faceted lantern. Decoration in the form of a lantern - it is a typical feature of late Gothic architecture.

In the Middle Ages in Europe, the pillory is often used for public punishment .  Sometimes accompanied by flogging punishment that often leads to death .  In Portugal, the pillory was called "Pelourinho" .  Among the historical monuments, he is one of the important places .  It was Portugal's Pelourinho referred to the Roman period .  Typically, the pillory, or set in the central square of the city, or in front of the main church or palace .  Pelourinho is usually built of stone in the form of a column, which was finished with the top thread .  Some Pelourinho even decorated royal coat of arms and is considered the main local attractions .  During the reign of Duke of Bragança to Pelourinho de Barcelos chained thieves .  Sometimes the punishment was carried innocent people, as happened to a pilgrim who was unfairly accused of stealing .  To prove his innocence, he prayed to Saint James to roast a cock, which was going to eat the judge alive .  And cock alive and pilgrim released .  Since males have become a symbol of Portugal, and it is believed that they bring luck .