Mértola – Well Preserved Moorish Village Museum
Mértola, located in Portugal’s Alentejo region is a town known as a village museum (Vila Museu) with particularly well preserved Moorish heritage.
This small walled town was built on a rocky spur on the confluence of the Oeiras and Guadiana rivers, and sits less than 15 km from the Spanish border. Now a small town of about three thousand people, it is a charming place with narrow cobbled streets and white-washed houses. Not yet discovered by mass tourism, it remains unspoiled and quaint.
An interesting castle sits on the highest point above the town. From the castle tower there is a great view of the town; one can see the river Ribeira de Oeiras joining the much larger Guadiana River below and the lush surrounding countryside. We enjoyed visiting the castle and in particular the short film explaining all the rich history of this area, which that can be watched inside the interpretation centre at the keep tower. It is definitely worth the small entrance charge.
Archaeological excavations below the Mértola Castle
The keep tower has an interpretation centre that is worth a visit
Next to the castle there are some archaeological excavations going on where it is possible to visit the ruins of a 6th century baptistry and some byzantine mosaics. A walkway around the excavation area makes it easier to see the site. It is also possible, and free, to visit an example of a typical “Arabic house”. Ruled by Muslims for over 500 years, there are still many remnants left from the Moorish settlements.
Just below the castle is the now Christian Parish Church, which was once a Mosque. The Mihrab ( marking the direction of Mecca) is still clearly seen, and many of the Mosque features have been well preserved. Mértola was once the capital of a Muslim Kingdom during the 500 years of Islamic rule. We learned that Mértola is home to Portugal’s only surviving Medieval Mosque.
View from the castle tower. The white Parish Church was once a Mosque. Can you spot our motorhome on the bottom right, by the river?
The many museum exhibitions are spread across the town’s historic centre at various different sites. Almost like a treasure hunt for tourists. We did not visit them all, but enjoyed the one’s we were able to visit.
Mértola plays host to an Islamic Festival every two years in May, when it is decorated to resemble a souk. The festivities carry on for few days with typical Arabic music, exhibits and handicrafts. Over fifty thousand people descend on this small town for the festivities.
Sadly we only spent one night in Mértola where our overnight stop was perfectly located at a lovely free motorhome parking area right by the river and just under the schist walls of the castle. Our GPS location was N37.6383, W7.6613. I recommend at least one full day to appreciate some of what this quaint town has to offer. It is a little off the beaten track, but well worth a visit if road tripping in this area.
I love the Alantejo region of Portugal. So much amazing architecture, fusion of cultures and history.
I have a poetic relationship with Portugal, may be because it is the country of Fernando Pessoa, one of if not my favourite poet/writer. He could truly capture the human soul with his words.
Val, the Alentejo region has been a joy to explore. Often overlooked for the more popular Algarve, yet it has a lot to offer. I remember having to study Fernando Pessoa at my school literature classes, a very talented man who sadly died so young. Thank you for taking the time to comment here 🙂
I didn’t know of that area of Portugal but it looks so attractive. Will have to add it to a list of places to see when we return to that enchanting country, Gilda.
Annie, the Alentejo region is often overlooked, yet it is a very authentic, charming area. I would recommend to include it in your next Portugal road trip 🙂
I have the dates for the festival on my calendar 🙂 🙂
Jo, I hope you will be attending and reporting back 🙂
This really sounds like a little gem of a town.
It is like stepping back in time, a very authentic place that feels unspoiled and undiscovered by mass tourism.
The view from the castle tower is awesome. I love visiting small places like this that are a little out of the way. Thanks for sharing.
Jeff, Mértola felt like stepping back in time. A charming place that has stayed true to its roots, we loved that it was devoid of the usual tourist hordes that we have come across at some of other places we have visited on this trip. Thank you for commenting.
Looking on the map, Mértola seems like an excellent “hidden gem” away from the crowds along the Algarve coast. Your motorhome parking spot looks perfectly well situated for a visit to the Parish Church, a hike up to the castle tower and cultural treasure hunt through town. I hope to travel to Portugal some day, and I will add your recommendations to my wish list. Happy travels!
Joe, Mértola has kept out of the limelight due to its off the beaten track position…not a bad thing in my opinion. We were glad to have been able to stop there overnight. The motorhome overnight parking spot by the river was free and in such a perfect location. I would definitely recommend Mértola on a Portugal road trip itinerary. You must be getting to the end of your trip now? Safe travels to you also.
Gilda this definitely sounds like our kind of place. Undiscovered, off the tourist path, rich with history. The festival in May sounds fascinating too. I have my fingers crossed that at some point in the future you would consider doing an in-depth itinerary post ‘Two weeks in Portugal’ or a additional 3 week version. We have found those itinerary posts are a long term hit with readers. It certainly would be for this reader. 🙂
Sue, Portugal has so many of this undiscovered little gems. Visiting these places on a road trip really is the best way to get a true flavour of what this country is all about. I will definitely be thinking about writing a two/three weeks road trip itinerary soon, thank you for suggesting it 🙂