Eastern Way
Alcoutim (Algarve) < > Mesquita
Stage 1
Coming from Alcoutim, we “navigate” the Guadiana river always along the Portuguese margin, following the signs of route GR15, until we reach the stream Ribeira do Vascão, already with the accumulated fatigue of some kilometers through the Algarve mountains. The passage of Vascão Stream is made in the marked area, assuming that the water level is shallow, as it almost always is, except in the periods of heavy rains.
River of Vascão
The Ribeira do Vascão is an affluent of the Guadiana river and is one of the few watercourses still practically wild in the south of the country. It ranges about 70 Kms in schistous terrain, from Cerro do Zebro, at more than 500 m of altitude, to Guadiana’s mouth, at 10 m altitude. It is possible that the name comes from the Arabic word basqa, which means “stony zone”.
Mesquita
Mesquita is located at a strategic point, a natural access road to the Guadiana river. There used to be one of the main natural barriers to larger boats, which at that time moored at the local port and made their trade. Different people and different products were found here, making the river a great highway of commercial traffic at that time.
Hermitage of Nossa Senhora das Neves
In the locality of Mesquita, municipality of Mértola, this hermitage of Our Lady of the Snow rises on top of a hill whose construction dates back to the time before the reconquest. From the 8th and 9th centuries onward, the first signs of sacralization are evident. A marble column on the site shows the date of its construction. Despite its sacralization, there are archaeological remains in Mértola’s archaeological field that point out that this place would also have been a Paleo-Christian mosque at the time. The first information dates back to 1515, by a visitor from the Order of Santiago. This church, which had some importance in terms of its assets, was not known until today. It is known from its description that there were three altars, one dedicated to S. Bento (St Benedict), another dedicated to S. Bartolomeu (St Bartholomew) and the main altar dedicated to Nossa Senhora das Flores (Our Lady of the Flowers), the patron saint of the hermitage. Later, this church would be consecrated to Nossa Senhora das Neves (Our Lady of the Snow), and even today we can see its image in the center of the main altar, dated from the 19th century.
Already on the Alentejo side, we are greeted with a very steep ascent, inevitable to conquer the deep stream valley, until we reach the plateau. We stop there to observe a beautiful 360º panoramic view, covering the undulating landscape of successive hills that spread to lose sight.
The trail to the village of Mesquita continues through multicoloured fields, flanked by ancient walls and circular stone fences that testify to the activity of grazing or ancient undetermined occupations. We are in the extreme southwest of the territory, in a deserted area where, even today, little is known about the history of its human occupation.
About 2 km later, we glimpse the Ermida de Nossa Senhora das Neves chapel, on a small ridge on the right and, soon after, the old and genuine village of Mesquita. In this picturesque village, the few dozens of residents, united around a project of common interest, have taken up the challenge of rehabilitating several houses and establishments, with the sole aim of providing support and shelter to future travellers on the Path to Santiago.
Mesquita is, in the Caminho de Santiago Nascente do Alentejo (Alentejo Eastern Path to Santiago), the emblematic example of the strength and hope that the Path to Santiago is capable of instilling in people, removing them from isolation and promoting local development. When you arrive at the new tavern of the town square (which should already be functioning), or the building of the Sociedade Recreativa Mesquitense, drink to the health of this small community that has united and worked for your comfort and support on the Path. Well done!
Always carry water, supplies, sunscreen, a hat, waterproof, comfortable shoes, and a map.
Public Entities
Mértola City Council
+351 286 610 109
Espírito Santo Parish Council
+351 286 675 250
Support
Táxis
Pilgrim Public Showers
+351 964 879 133
Camping
+351 964 879 133
Points of Interest
USEFUL CONTACTS
Emergency: 112
Forest Fires: 117
Mértola Fire Department: +351 286 610 010
GNR − National Republican Guard: +351 286 612 127
Mértola Civil Protection: +351 286 610 100
CODE OF CONDUCT
Do not leave the marked and signaled route. Do not approach cliffs. Pay attention to the markings. Do not dispose of organic or inorganic waste during the trail, take a bag for this purpose. If you see garbage, collect it, help us to keep the Paths clean. Beware of livestock, don’t bother the animals. Leave Nature intact. Do not collect plants, animals or rocks. Avoid making noise. Respect private property, close gates and barriers. Don’t light fires and be careful with cigarettes. Do not vandalize the Paths signage.
