Mértola, Igreja da Misericórdia , Secret use ?

Museum of Sacred Art
It is housed in the old Misericórdia Church, built in the 16th century. It displays a collection of paintings, sacred sculpture and goldsmithery which, for conservation and safety reasons, has been removed from various churches in the municipality of Mértola.

The building is located at the main entrance to the old port of Mértola, known as Porta da Ribeira. For centuries, it was one of the busiest places in the city, home to the large houses of the local merchants.

It has long since ceased to be used as a place of worship, but it is still the main venue for the annual procession of the Lord of the Steps.