MERTOLA TOURISM GUIDE
Where Islam meets Christianity
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Pretty little Mértola is a riverside town with a long history as a trading
port,
and strolling around its sleepy cobbled lanes is like entering a time warp.
Its white parish church, topped with conical decorations, was
converted from a mosque in the 12th century, and still retains a strong
Islamic feel in its horseshoe arches and mihrab (prayer niche) facing
east to Mecca.
Above the church looms the town's ruined 13th century castle, with
bird's-eye views of the entire town and river, and maybe even of the rare
black stork or the lesser kestrel, a splendid falcon that is near
extinction.
There are several small musems scattered around town with Roman and
Islamic finds, including the country's best collection of Portuguese Islamic
art made up of ceramics, coins, and jewelry.
The "Islamic Festival" that takes place every two years in May recreates
the Islamic period of the town with music, exhibitions, and a street market.
Those who wish to experience it may reach Mértola by bus from Beja.
The photo below is a panoramic 360-degree view of Mértola taken from one of the towers of the castle on a blazing hot day in mid-August 2011.
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Places Nearby
Beja - A
famous 17th century love affair; a lavish old convent
Evora -
A museum-town; a Roman temple; prehistoric sites
Monsaraz
- A white town; a magical medieval atmosphere
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AROUND LISBON
AND TAGUS VALLEY Alcobaça Arrábida Azeitão Batalha Cascais Ericeira Estoril Fatima Leiria Mafra Nazaré Obidos Palmela Peniche Queluz Santarém Sesimbra Setubal Sintra Tomar |
ALENTEJO
Beja Castelo de Vide Elvas Estremoz Evora Marvão Mértola Monsaraz Vila Viçosa ALGARVE Albufeira Faro Lagos Sagres Silves Tavira Vila Real de Santo António Vilamoura |
BEIRAS (CENTRAL PORTUGAL)
Aveiro Belmonte Buçaco Coimbra Conimbriga Figueira da Foz Guarda Monsanto Piodão Serra da Estrela Viseu PORTO AND DOURO Amarante Lamego Porto |
MINHO
Barcelos Braga Gerês National Park Guimarães Ponte de Lima Ponte da Barca Viana do Castelo TRAS-OS-MONTES Bragança Chaves Vila Real THE ISLANDS Azores Madeira |