Hermitage and Necropolis of S. Sebastião

Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage

District: Beja > Mértola > Mértola > Achada de São Sebastião

Location

This historical-archaeological complex is located in the area of Achada de São Sebastião, in Mértola. It is situated north of the ancient urban area, by the banks of the Guadiana River, in a place that was once beyond the walls of the Roman city of Myrtilis. Currently, the site is integrated into the premises of the Bento de Jesus Caraça School, offering a unique perspective on the coexistence between the past and the urban present.

Vestiges of a Distant Past

The Roman necropolis reveals the existence of a vast cemetery that served the population of Mértola between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Here, dozens of tombs excavated directly into the schist rock were discovered, some of which still preserve traces of the slabs that covered them. This site was the final resting place of the inhabitants of Roman Myrtilis, strategically located outside the city walls, a common practice at the time.

Archaeological excavations, carried out notably in the 1980s during the school's construction, allowed for the preservation of a significant part of this funerary complex, uncovering details about the rites and customs of Antiquity.

The Hermitage of Saint Sebastian

Dating from the 16th century, the hermitage is a testament to the religiosity of later eras. This small temple, dedicated to Saint Sebastian, was built over the area of the ancient Roman necropolis. Structurally, it is composed of a nave and a chancel, typical elements of popular religious architecture in Alentejo. Although it suffered damage throughout its history, notably due to a flood in the 19th century, it was carefully reconstructed during the archaeological works that preceded the school's construction.

A Place of Memory and Knowledge

Since 2003, the Hermitage and Necropolis of S. Sebastião functions as a museum nucleus, underscoring its importance for understanding the rich history of Mértola. This space offers a unique opportunity to directly observe vestiges from different periods, from ancient Rome to more recent centuries, on the same site. Its integration into the school grounds highlights the role of heritage in education and in connecting the community with its cultural inheritance, allowing for the preservation and valorization of these findings for those who visit the municipality.

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