Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Beja > Mértola > Moreanes > Monte do Roncão
Located on Monte do Roncão, in the peaceful village of Moreanes, in the municipality of Mértola, this hermitage is situated in a typically rural setting, far from the urban bustle. Its position, characteristic of many hermitages, suggests a place of quietness and contemplation. Surrounded by the natural landscape of the Alentejo, its surroundings offer a sense of isolation and serenity, inviting a moment of tranquility and observation of the surroundings.
The hermitage boasts a history rooted in the Middle Ages. Although it has undergone phases of reconstruction over the centuries, its interior reveals details of artistic and historical value. A set of monochromatic blue and white tiles, produced in Lisbon, stands out, adorning its walls and evoking Marian devotion. In the chancel area, attention is drawn to a gilded altarpiece, as well as a collection of sacred artifacts dating back to the 17th century, testifying to its rich cultural heritage.
The history of the site is also linked to the figure of São Brissos, associated in legend with Santo Barão, a hermit from Mértola with strong ties to this region. The place remains today a point of significant devotion, where faith and tradition intertwine. Popular narrative tells that Santo Barão, living as a hermit, shared with the most needy the alms he collected in the village. A miraculous event, involving the church bells, led the inhabitants to discover the hermit in prayer at the site, giving thanks to heaven. Traditionally, this saint is regarded as the protector of good marriages, families, and fertility, making the hermitage a place with deep symbolic meaning for many.
Hermitages, in the context of the Alentejo, represent Christian places of worship of particular importance, often serving small communities or marking high and isolated points, considered closer to the divine. Although not used daily, they come alive during festive seasons and specific religious celebrations, keeping the memory of ancestral traditions alive. The presence of this hermitage on Monte do Roncão underscores the spiritual and cultural dimension rooted in the Alentejo landscape, offering a perspective on the region's history and faith.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.6401088,-7.5887038
Coordinates DMS: 37°38'24.4"N 07°35'19.3"W
Weather Moreanes
On-duty Pharmacy Moreanes
