Category: Religious Architecture > Baptistery
District: Beja > Mértola > Mértola > Além-Rio
The Baptistery of Mértola is located in the Além-Rio area, within the historic village of Mértola, in the municipality of Mértola. It is built on an elevated platform, an artificial structure that, in ancient times, would have served as the base for the forum of the Roman city of Myrtilis. This central location within the ancient urban perimeter underlines its importance and the role it played in the community.
This remarkable baptistery is part of a vast religious complex that flourished in Mértola during Late Antiquity, between the 4th and 7th centuries AD. The discovery of these archaeological structures reveals Mértola's significance as a prosperous river port, with commercial and cultural links extending throughout the Mediterranean. The complex reflects the vitality of early Christianity in the region, demonstrating the community's capacity at the time to undertake grand construction projects.
Two distinct baptisteries have been identified at the site. One of them, with a rectangular plan, features a particular emphasis at its center: an octagonal baptismal pool. This basin was surrounded by an ambulatory and featured steps to facilitate access, being lined with marble slabs. Water reached the pool via a lead pipe, gushing from a small central pinnacle. The space also included an annexed compartment, which would have served as a waiting room or changing room for those to be baptized.
The Christian initiation rite was central to this location. The catechumens, after disrobing, would proceed through the portico, descending into the baptismal font for immersion. This ritual underscores the importance of water in faith and offers a unique perspective on the religious practices of the era.
One of the most striking aspects of the Mértola Baptistery are its rich mosaic pavements. These mosaic carpets, which covered the ambulatory and the porticoed gallery, display remarkable beauty and detail. Among the various representations, mythological scenes such as Bellerophon riding Pegasus to fight the Chimera stand out. Other panels depict figures of lions and hunting scenes with falconry, showcasing sophisticated artistic language and Mértola's connections to Eastern Mediterranean traditions.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.6385551610606, -7.664104363207639
Coordinates DMS: 37°38'18.8"N 07°39'50.8"W
On-duty Pharmacy Mértola
