Alpendurada Memorial

Category: Civil Architecture > Memorial

District: Porto > Marco de Canaveses > Alpendurada

Location:

The Memorial of Alpendurada stands next to the national road that runs through the parish of Alpendurada, in the municipality of Marco de Canaveses. It is set in a small courtyard adjoining traditional granite houses, on a slightly elevated stretch of the road.

Access is via a narrow, steep staircase with uneven steps, which connects the road level to the plateau where the monument is located, offering visitors a discreet yet well-integrated setting within the urban fabric.

Origin and Historical Value

Likely dating from the 13th century, this funerary memorial was classified as a National Monument in 1910. It is one of a group of Portuguese medieval arches intended to perpetuate the memory of knights who, having died in a duel or accident, could not be buried in consecrated ground.

The presence of an engraved sword on the plinth suggests a tribute to a member of the local nobility. Oral tradition links the monument to D. Mafalda Sanches, daughter of D. Sancho I, and it may have served as a stopping point for her funeral procession on its way to the monastery where her coffin was laid to rest.

Aesthetics and Atmosphere

Built of granite, the rounded arch rests on a parallelepiped-shaped base with a double cavity, giving it simple yet strong lines. The rustic stone contrasts with the Mediterranean light that shines upon the monument, highlighting its grain and the marks of time.

The surrounding area, though urban, maintains a serene atmosphere. The proximity of the stone houses and the strip of low-lying vegetation along the wall create a natural frame that enhances the memorial's discreet grandeur.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt