Our Lady of Aracelis hermitage and steppe birds
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The hermitage of Our Lady of Aracelis, also known as the "Altar of heaven" (Ara - altar and Coellis - heaven), is isolated on an elevation that has the same name, surrounded by vast plains, being therefore a great place to observe steppe birds, such as the great and the little bustards and cranes.
In Portugal mainland, the crane (Grus grus) is a wintering species (mainly from November to February), which comes from its breeding grounds in northern Europe. It can be seen in the fields feeding, being an elegant bird, with long neck and legs, similar to a stork, but of gray color and with a tuft of feathers in the tail giving it an “aristocratic” appearance. It is essentially herbivorous, eating sprouts, leaves, cereal grains and acorns, mainly from holm oak, but it can also feed on invertebrates (insects, snails, spiders...) and even some eat vertebrates such as snakes, lizards, frogs and small mice. In some parts of the world, the crane is a symbol of longevity and happiness.
The hermitage is today one of the main Marian sanctuaries in Alentejo, being a place of worship since ancient times. The pilgrimage takes place on the last weekend of August, when the inhabitants from this region take the image to go around the hill and ask for a good agricultural year. The building is small and simple, but there is a large church, being the access by two decorated porches, with popular taste, that give grace and beauty to the whole set, dating from the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th centuries, such as the altar and the Virgin image venerated there.
According to a legend, from there you can see 6 other hermitages in Alentejo and Algarve: Remédios (Alcaria); Cola (Ourique); Guadalupe (Serpa); Castelo (Aljustrel); Saúde (Martim Longo); and Piedade (Loulé).
This hermitage is shared by two localities and counties, since it belongs to Castro Verde but the churchyard is in Mértola. Thus, the feasts are organized jointly by Alcaria Ruiva (Mértola) and São Marcos da Atabueira (Castro Verde).
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The hermitage of Our Lady of Aracelis, also known as the "Altar of heaven" (Ara - altar and Coellis - heaven), is isolated on an elevation that has the same name, surrounded by vast plains, being therefore a great place to observe steppe birds, such as the great and the little bustards and cranes.
In Portugal mainland, the crane (Grus grus) is a wintering species (mainly from November to February), which comes from its breeding grounds in northern Europe. It can be seen in the fields feeding, being an elegant bird, with long neck and legs, similar to a stork, but of gray color and with a tuft of feathers in the tail giving it an “aristocratic” appearance. It is essentially herbivorous, eating sprouts, leaves, cereal grains and acorns, mainly from holm oak, but it can also feed on invertebrates (insects, snails, spiders...) and even some eat vertebrates such as snakes, lizards, frogs and small mice. In some parts of the world, the crane is a symbol of longevity and happiness.
The hermitage is today one of the main Marian sanctuaries in Alentejo, being a place of worship since ancient times. The pilgrimage takes place on the last weekend of August, when the inhabitants from this region take the image to go around the hill and ask for a good agricultural year. The building is small and simple, but there is a large church, being the access by two decorated porches, with popular taste, that give grace and beauty to the whole set, dating from the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th centuries, such as the altar and the Virgin image venerated there.
According to a legend, from there you can see 6 other hermitages in Alentejo and Algarve: Remédios (Alcaria); Cola (Ourique); Guadalupe (Serpa); Castelo (Aljustrel); Saúde (Martim Longo); and Piedade (Loulé).
This hermitage is shared by two localities and counties, since it belongs to Castro Verde but the churchyard is in Mértola. Thus, the feasts are organized jointly by Alcaria Ruiva (Mértola) and São Marcos da Atabueira (Castro Verde).
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Alentejo
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Mértola
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Vale do Guadiana Nature Park
Identification and Access
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Yes
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Access from:
- Mértola (± 29 km) – take IC27/N122 for about 22 km and then turn to Corte Pequena. There, follow the signs to N. Sra. de Aracelis; or
- Castro Verde (± 36 km) – take N123 to S. Marcos da Atabueira. There turn to Salto. Without enter Salto, continue on the same road, until you reach a crossroad where there is an entrance to a real estate on the left and a road on the right. Take the right, just to the top.
GPS: 37.746333, -7.886781
Base Characterization
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ZPE Castro Verde
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Religious
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On the top of a hill.
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Sixteenth century
Tips
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In Autumn/Winter, bring the telescope/binoculars and try to see the common cranes. In Summer, discover the Great and the Little Bustards.
Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Aracelis
Monte do Salto
7780 São Marcos da Atabueira
