Old gallows of Freixiel
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On a small elevation near Freixiel, the old gallows is a Middle Ages monument believed to be unique in the Iberian Peninsula. It is formed by of 2 vertical granite pillars that supported a horizontal beam – this last one no longer exists- where was placed the noose. It had also a wooden platform, as can be seen by the marks at the two pillars base. The distance the holes are in the beam either from the ground and from the platform is insufficient for death by hanging, so this was probably a garrote gallow, very common throughout the Iberian Peninsula. In this type of gallows, the condemned did not die by strangulation due to suspension, but by garrote, being later on display in the gallows.
The condemned couldn’t be buried in a sacred place, so they were put on a near field, known here as Fiéis de Deus (God’s faithful).
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On a small elevation near Freixiel, the old gallows is a Middle Ages monument believed to be unique in the Iberian Peninsula. It is formed by of 2 vertical granite pillars that supported a horizontal beam – this last one no longer exists- where was placed the noose. It had also a wooden platform, as can be seen by the marks at the two pillars base. The distance the holes are in the beam either from the ground and from the platform is insufficient for death by hanging, so this was probably a garrote gallow, very common throughout the Iberian Peninsula. In this type of gallows, the condemned did not die by strangulation due to suspension, but by garrote, being later on display in the gallows.
The condemned couldn’t be buried in a sacred place, so they were put on a near field, known here as Fiéis de Deus (God’s faithful).
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Norte
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Vila Flor
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Vale do Tua Regional Nature Park
Identification and Access
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Yes
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By N314, Vila Flor - Abreiro, turn left to Freixiel.
GPS: 41.316708, -7.238623
Base Characterization
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Public interest
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Cultural Historical
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Public
Tips
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Visit the gallows walking the Tua - Vieiro - Freixiel trail.
