Monte Mosteiro

FORMAL ANALYSIS

Next to the old road that linked Myrtilis (Mértola) to Pax Julia (Beja), near the difficult crossing point over the river Terges and Cobres, a small group of houses (monte), known as Mosteiro, is situated. At the furthest point of this group of houses and situated slightly apart, is a small building, which, due to its architectural features, has come to be identified as a former place of Christian worship. This same place occupied by a villa (agricultural house) or mansio (place for changing the teams of horses and giving support to passers-by) was later adapted in the Roman period to a household monastery.

Various archaeological elements from the late Roman period to the Palaeo-Christian one were localized, or gathered in this place, having been re-used as construction material of which shafts, bases of columns and other architectural and ceramic fragments are to be highlighted.

This monument, constructed in poor stonework, is divided in two: the chancel and the main rectangular body, separated by a triumphal arch, possibly made later. The apse –chancel, covered by a small calotte, liturgically faces the East.

Two other divisions were annexed to the original body at an indefinite date, converting the former Christian temple into a residential area with its outbuildings.