The Pelourinho de Atouguia da Baleia is a heritage monument in Atouguia da Baleia, within Peniche municipality, Portugal. It remains in its original location, where it sits among the parish church, former town council building and castle remains.
- Location: Atouguia da Baleia, Peniche municipality
- Setting: Near Igreja Matriz de São Leonardo and the remains of Atouguia da Baleia Castle
- Heritage status: Imóvel de Interesse Público
Where is the Pelourinho de Atouguia da Baleia?
The pelourinho stands in Atouguia da Baleia, a town in Peniche municipality. A municipal heritage document says it was originally erected in front of the Paços do Concelho building, and it remains in its original location.
The monument is about 7 km from WOT Peniche Pinhalmar, which offers rooms in Peniche. Its place in the town makes it easy to consider alongside other nearby heritage sites.
What does the pelourinho’s history tell you?
The monument’s original position in front of the Paços do Concelho links it to the town’s civic history. Its present heritage designation is Imóvel de Interesse Público; a heritage-list result gives 1933 as the year it received that status.
The pelourinho is surrounded by historic buildings and remains rather than standing apart from the town’s heritage setting. The municipal Interpretative Center of Atouguia da Baleia (CIAB) focuses on studying, valuing and sharing Peniche’s historical and cultural heritage.
What can you see at the site?
The main reason to stop is the pelourinho in its original setting. Around it are Igreja Matriz de São Leonardo, the former Casa da Câmara—now the parish council premises—and the remains of Atouguia da Baleia Castle.
Take in the monument together with these surrounding landmarks to understand how the village’s civic, religious and defensive heritage sits in the same area. The nearby castle is the remains of the Castle of Atouguia da Baleia.
How can you combine the monument with the castle?
The pelourinho and castle remains are both part of Atouguia da Baleia’s heritage setting, so you can include them in the same local stop. The church and former Casa da Câmara are also part of the monument’s immediate surroundings.
For more context on the nearby remains, the guide to Castelo de Atouguia da Baleia covers the castle visit.
Planning a visit from Peniche
From Peniche, plan this as a separate stop in Atouguia da Baleia. The monument is in a public setting, but access conditions may change; check the municipality’s official site before you go.
The nearby CIAB is focused on local historical and cultural heritage, making it a relevant place to look for further context when planning a heritage-focused visit. For a wider trip plan, keep the town stop distinct from time spent in Peniche.
If you are planning time in Peniche as well, a one-day Peniche itinerary can help you shape the wider day.
FAQs
Is the Pelourinho de Atouguia da Baleia protected?
Yes. It has the heritage designation Imóvel de Interesse Público.
What landmarks surround the pelourinho?
Igreja Matriz de São Leonardo, the former Casa da Câmara and the remains of Atouguia da Baleia Castle surround it.
Is the pelourinho still in its original location?
Yes. It remains where it was originally erected, in front of the Paços do Concelho building.