Trinity Column In Villach Main Square

A stone pillar is constructed in front of the then-town hall in the lower main square.The pillory was already established about the 15th century, and it was placed so centrally that practically everyone had to go through it.It was taken circa 1800, walled into the Draulände’s bank protection wall, and was thought to be lost for around 150 years.Only after this wall was destroyed on October 12, 1959, did the six-sided crowning of the old pillory become visible again, and it was given a home in the Widmanngasse courtyard of the museum.The pillory shown in the main square is a replica. The visual illustration of the various punishments for specific offenses is unique among the several remaining Austrian pillory.As a deterrent, four draconian penalties are carved in stone on the pyramidal top: caning (whipping), chopping off a hand, gouging out eyes, and cutting off an ear.

The medieval penalty for a delinquent should not be ineffective, because standing in the pillory was a terrible punishment. The offender, who was tied to this post, shall wear a plaque with his or her offense printed on it around his or her neck, leaving him or her helpless against the taunts and scorn of passers-by.Adulterers and thieves were particularly vulnerable to being pilloried.The possibility of punishment should have had a deterrent impact in Villach, despite the fact that there are no records or reports of such being carried out.