The Memorial of Ermida is a remarkable monument. Only six buildings of its kind are left in the whole country.
The purpose of this type of monument, although not entirely clear, would be related to entombment, the celebration of someone’s memory or the passing of funeral processions. They are usually located on roads or at crossings.
The characteristics of the Memorial of Ermida suggest that it may have been built mid-13th century.
The Memorials of Ermida [Penafiel], Sobrado [Castelo de Paiva], Santo António [Arouca], Alpendorada [Marco de Canaveses] and Lordelo [Baião, no longer in existence] are, according to legend, connected to Princess Mafalda, daughter of King Sancho I and granddaughter of King Afonso Henriques.
They are traditionally referred to as passing points in the journey of her body from Rio Tinto to the Monastery of Arouca, or as places that honour her life and work.
Location: Penafiel
