Roman cryptoporticus

Category: Archaeology > Cryptoporticus

District: Beja > Mértola > Mértola > Além-Rio

Location

The Roman Cryptoporticus is located in the area known as Além-Rio (Beyond-River), in the historic village of Mértola, in the municipality of Mértola. It is positioned on the northern slope of the hill where the castle stands, occupying a point that was essential for the urban structure of ancient Myrtilis, the Roman name for Mértola. Its presence in this location offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the village and how the terrain was shaped to accommodate the most prominent Roman constructions.

A Remarkable Underground Structure

This impressive underground gallery, whose construction probably dates back to the late 4th century, is a remarkable example of Roman engineering. Its primary function was to create an artificial platform, leveling the ground to support important buildings that would stand above it. Designed as a circulation gallery, the cryptoporticus connected different accesses to the city's ancient defensive wall. It is characterized by its robust construction in local schist stone masonry, bonded with mortar, and is covered by an imposing barrel vault. It extends for 32 meters in length, with a width of 2.70 meters and a considerable height of 5.80 meters.

The Multiple Lives of the Cryptoporticus

Over the centuries, the Roman Cryptoporticus adapted to different functions, reflecting the needs of the civilizations that succeeded one another in Mértola. Initially, its defensive purpose was visible through arrowslits, small openings for surveillance. However, these were later sealed when the structure was converted into a large-capacity cistern, demonstrating the importance of water supply. Subsequently, this space was used as a waste deposit, associated with an Islamic quarter that developed on the surface. The prolonged use of the site as a cemetery, after the Christian Reconquista, contributed to the remarkable preservation of the lower archaeological layers, making the Cryptoporticus an archaeological site of great value for the study of Mértola's history.

The Richness of the Surface

The area immediately above the Roman Cryptoporticus is equally rich in historical testimonies, underlining the importance of the platform it provided. In Late Antiquity, sumptuous religious buildings were constructed upon this foundation, whose archaeological remains reveal pavements decorated with exceptional mosaics. These mosaics feature detailed scenes, such as a knight hunting with a falcon, in addition to complex geometric patterns, plant motifs, and animal figures, including some not native to the region, such as lions, leopards, or ostriches. This diversity suggests the influence of artisans from the Eastern Mediterranean or North Africa, enriching the cultural legacy of the site. Later, this area was occupied by an Islamic quarter, whose layers also contribute to Mértola's fascinating archaeological narrative.

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