Castle of Mértola

Category: Military Architecture > Castle

District: Beja > Mértola > Mértola > Além-Rio

Location and Historical Context

- Located in the parish, town and municipality of Mértola, in Alentejo, Portugal.

- Strategic position on top of the hill, dominating the landscape and controlling the crossing of the Guadiana river.

- Historical importance since prehistoric times, with Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman presence.

- Muslim influence and period of the Taifas of Mértola.

- Christian Reconquista and donation to the Order of Santiago.

Architecture and Characteristics

- Ruins of the ancient castle classified as a National Monument.

- Keep with a quadrangular plan, about 30 meters high, crowned by battlements.

- Outer walls and turrets that surrounded the town.

- Semi-cylindrical turret integrated into the entrance gate.

- Cistern in the center of the parade ground.

Revitalization and Current Status

- Mértola is considered a museum-town.

Three Centers of Intervention and Research

Roman Center, Visigothic Center and Islamic Center.

- Exhibition in the Keep, highlighting the collection of Islamic art.

- Mértola is part of the Planície Dourada Tourist Region.

Economic Importance

- In the past, it depended on the exploitation of the São Domingos mines.

- Revitalization project brought new economic activities to the region.

Period of Decline and Abandonment

- Decline from the Portuguese Discoveries onwards.

- Walls in ruins and absence of military garrison.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_de_Mértola