The Marmoiral da Boavista (Boavista’s memorial), dating from the middle of the thirteenth century, is a Romanesque funeral-memorial. Not presenting the arch in its structure it constitutes the sole heritage in Portugal. According to legend, the building of the Marmoiral da Boavista was held together with four other memorials: Ermida (Penafiel), Santo Antonio (Arouca), Alpendorada (Marco de Canaveses) and Lordelo (Baião, gone). Usually erected on roads or crossing routes, its construction is related to the passage of the funeral procession of D. Mafalda, daughter of King Sancho I and granddaughter of King Afonso Henriques, heading to the convent of Arouca.
Castelo de Paiva has valuable historical and cultural heritage. An example is the Pia dos Mouros (moorish sink), also known as Penedo de Vegide. Situated next to old paths, this rock has two anthropomorphic graves excavated in the granitic surface, with different dimensions. This sports curious details, such as head rests and transverse grooves at the base. This type of structure, dating from the period between the sixth century and the thirteenth century, still had a slab that sealed the grave after the burial. Another place of interest is the historic center of Castelo de Paiva, where we can enjoy a number of buildings of great architectural and cultural value, such as the Mother church, the Fountain, the old prison or the Town Hall.
Facing the Douro, in the village of Freixo, one can contemplate the Anjo de Portugal (Angel of Portugal). Made in bronze, this statue measures 12 meters high and weighs about 12 tons. It also has a staircase that leads visitors to a small chapel, and goes on till the river bank.
