Mértola from a distance

Mértola, (Region of Alentejo) Portugal

In this picture you can see the castle of Muslim origin, but reconstructed after the town was taken over by the Christians.  The once mosque, now a church, sits just below the castle to the right.  There are many excavations taking place today exhibiting numerous archaeological finds from Roman houses that existed next to the wall of the city as well as other objects (pottery, glassware, metalwork, coins) from the almost 500 years of Islamic rule.  Mértola is a museum in and of itself!

Mértola up close

Mértola, (Region of Alentejo) Portugal

Mértola is a fascinating town sitting on a hill overlooking the Guadiana River and is filled with a rich history.  Set in a very strategic location, this town served as a very important fluvial commercial port in times of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors by transporting agricultural products and area minerals to what is known as present day Spain and Northern Africa.  The Moors ruled in Portugal for almost 500 years (until 1238) and had to add a castle to the Roman walls of the city to protect themselves from further invasions.  A mosque was built next to the castle and after 1238 was converted into a church, still resembling the original mosque with only a few changes.