Date: 28th August 2019
Travelled: 132 kms from Évora to Mértola
Visited: Mértola
Stayed: Mértola riverside car-park, free + W+B. N37.63806, W07.66201
Budget: 80 days @ €76 per day
It was late morning by the time we departed Évora, making our way south along the IP2. The road is excellent. We stop at Beja finding a shady spot and have lunch and a rest for a couple of hours.
This photo could be anywhere in western NSW. Dry country in drought the road lined with gum trees. 
Except for the white stork nest on the telegraph posts.
We refuel at the Intermarché (which also has a service point) in Beja then continue south for some 20 kms before turning south-east for Mértola. It has become noticeably hotter than the previous day or two.
Mértola, Alentejo, Portugal
Map of Mertola, giving reference to its position in Portugal.
Our data-base shows a couple of parking spots in Mértola but one on the Rio Guadiana has our attention and we drive down the steep cobbled road until we find it.
We arrive at the car-park and find a little shade in one corner for the next hour or so until the sun sets. 
The temperature drops to 31 on dusk, when we are joined by another Hymer. We forgo our normal security precautions and sleep with all the windows wide open.
Despite its remote location Mértola has a tourist office, we secure a map and continue on… 
Originally built as a mosque, but now the Igreja Matriz.
The story of Mértola is not unfamiliar to us now. Established by Phoenician traders, assumed by the Carthaginians, who in turn were driven out by the Romans. On the collapse of the empire, the Moors held Mértola and the rest of southern Spain and Portugal until they we driven out by the Knights of the Order of Santiago in 1238.
Hence Mértola has some Roman ruins, the remains of an Islamic village and a very unique church that was originally a mosque. To top it off there is a large Castelo on the hill, built by Dom Sancho II (Zoro’s offsider from memory) in the 13th century.
The vaulted ceiling has a Moorish look. 
Inside the Sacristy. I felt a little uncomfortable.
Next door to the church there is an excavation site and display museum. The exhibitions overlap somewhat between the Roman and Moorish times.
A highlight being the remnants of a Roman colonnade lined with stone columns, sections of the original mosaic survive. 
There are only small sections of mosaic remaining but you get the usual hunting scene theme.
Finally at the top of the hill we enter the Castelo and spent 10 minutes walking the parapets taking in the views around Mértola.
Michael and Pam
One thought on “Mértola, Portugal 🇵🇹 2019”
It certainly looks hot and dry. They need some of the Irish weather! We are enjoying your explores around Portugal. All these best