{"id":21037,"date":"2019-08-31T04:46:48","date_gmt":"2019-08-30T18:46:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?p=21037"},"modified":"2020-07-20T07:25:07","modified_gmt":"2020-07-19T21:25:07","slug":"mertola-portugal-%f0%9f%87%b5%f0%9f%87%b9-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?p=21037","title":{"rendered":"M\u00e9rtola, Portugal \ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddf9 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Date: 28th August 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Travelled: 132 kms from \u00c9vora to M\u00e9rtola<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Visited: M\u00e9rtola<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stayed: M\u00e9rtola riverside car-park, free + W+B<\/strong>.  <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/h4HUcnkxLSw5bpkx6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">N37.63806, W07.66201<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Budget: 80 days @ \u20ac76 per day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was late morning by the time we departed \u00c9vora, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2F03D5C5-10CE-4398-A30F-852624B07915.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2F03D5C5-10CE-4398-A30F-852624B07915-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21039\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2F03D5C5-10CE-4398-A30F-852624B07915-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2F03D5C5-10CE-4398-A30F-852624B07915-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2F03D5C5-10CE-4398-A30F-852624B07915-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2F03D5C5-10CE-4398-A30F-852624B07915-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2F03D5C5-10CE-4398-A30F-852624B07915-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2F03D5C5-10CE-4398-A30F-852624B07915.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The IP2 comes to a holt, eventually we see some horses and cart and fear the worst.  But it appeared one of the horses decided enough was enough and sat down. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/F554E8BA-45C3-47AC-B221-C19AABBF576A-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21040\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/F554E8BA-45C3-47AC-B221-C19AABBF576A-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/F554E8BA-45C3-47AC-B221-C19AABBF576A-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/F554E8BA-45C3-47AC-B221-C19AABBF576A-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/F554E8BA-45C3-47AC-B221-C19AABBF576A-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/F554E8BA-45C3-47AC-B221-C19AABBF576A-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/F554E8BA-45C3-47AC-B221-C19AABBF576A.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>We could see this tall structure from 20 kms away.  Thinking it was some Castelo or Cathedral, but no it\u2019s just a set of silo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/5E454A7A-C5C5-439F-86EF-54BC866AD42A-1024x768.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/5E454A7A-C5C5-439F-86EF-54BC866AD42A-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"21043\" data-link=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?attachment_id=21043\" class=\"wp-image-21043\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/5E454A7A-C5C5-439F-86EF-54BC866AD42A-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/5E454A7A-C5C5-439F-86EF-54BC866AD42A-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/5E454A7A-C5C5-439F-86EF-54BC866AD42A-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/5E454A7A-C5C5-439F-86EF-54BC866AD42A-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/5E454A7A-C5C5-439F-86EF-54BC866AD42A-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/5E454A7A-C5C5-439F-86EF-54BC866AD42A.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">This photo could be anywhere in western NSW.  Dry country in drought the road lined with gum trees.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7D186146-78EA-4580-94D5-ED8F180D004D-1024x768.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7D186146-78EA-4580-94D5-ED8F180D004D-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"21041\" data-link=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?attachment_id=21041\" class=\"wp-image-21041\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7D186146-78EA-4580-94D5-ED8F180D004D-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7D186146-78EA-4580-94D5-ED8F180D004D-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7D186146-78EA-4580-94D5-ED8F180D004D-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7D186146-78EA-4580-94D5-ED8F180D004D-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7D186146-78EA-4580-94D5-ED8F180D004D-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7D186146-78EA-4580-94D5-ED8F180D004D.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Except for the white stork nest on the telegraph posts.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>We refuel at the Intermarch\u00e9 (which also has a service point) in Beja then continue south for some 20 kms before turning south-east for M\u00e9rtola.  It has become noticeably hotter than the previous day or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Map of Mertola, giving reference to its position in Portugal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Our data-base shows a couple of parking spots in M\u00e9rtola but one on the Rio Guadiana has our attention and we drive down the steep cobbled road until we find it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/8B889240-0065-436B-97A2-07C7D1B7631B-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21042\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/8B889240-0065-436B-97A2-07C7D1B7631B-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/8B889240-0065-436B-97A2-07C7D1B7631B-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/8B889240-0065-436B-97A2-07C7D1B7631B-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/8B889240-0065-436B-97A2-07C7D1B7631B-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/8B889240-0065-436B-97A2-07C7D1B7631B-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/8B889240-0065-436B-97A2-07C7D1B7631B.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>At this stage I was hoping it was one way, but it wasn\u2019t.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/10ACF5B2-AAB3-4A64-B01F-5C7FB3AA66D5-1024x768.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/10ACF5B2-AAB3-4A64-B01F-5C7FB3AA66D5-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"21047\" data-link=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?attachment_id=21047\" class=\"wp-image-21047\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/10ACF5B2-AAB3-4A64-B01F-5C7FB3AA66D5-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/10ACF5B2-AAB3-4A64-B01F-5C7FB3AA66D5-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/10ACF5B2-AAB3-4A64-B01F-5C7FB3AA66D5-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/10ACF5B2-AAB3-4A64-B01F-5C7FB3AA66D5-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/10ACF5B2-AAB3-4A64-B01F-5C7FB3AA66D5-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/10ACF5B2-AAB3-4A64-B01F-5C7FB3AA66D5.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">We arrive at the car-park and find a little shade in one corner for the next hour or so until the sun sets.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/037CFF6B-1A10-49D0-9FFA-57923CA9B942-1024x768.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/037CFF6B-1A10-49D0-9FFA-57923CA9B942-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"21051\" data-link=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?attachment_id=21051\" class=\"wp-image-21051\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/037CFF6B-1A10-49D0-9FFA-57923CA9B942-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/037CFF6B-1A10-49D0-9FFA-57923CA9B942-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/037CFF6B-1A10-49D0-9FFA-57923CA9B942-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/037CFF6B-1A10-49D0-9FFA-57923CA9B942-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/037CFF6B-1A10-49D0-9FFA-57923CA9B942-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/037CFF6B-1A10-49D0-9FFA-57923CA9B942.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">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.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2D9163C4-8743-4990-8D54-A91B794CA90F-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2D9163C4-8743-4990-8D54-A91B794CA90F-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2D9163C4-8743-4990-8D54-A91B794CA90F-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2D9163C4-8743-4990-8D54-A91B794CA90F-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2D9163C4-8743-4990-8D54-A91B794CA90F-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2D9163C4-8743-4990-8D54-A91B794CA90F-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/2D9163C4-8743-4990-8D54-A91B794CA90F.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>We still manage a reasonable sleep with the help of our fan. Another day in the high 30\u2019s is predicted, so we make an effort to start our exploring a little earlier than usual.  Spot the Hymers (2) photo opportunity.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/AE95BED2-58C6-43F7-9595-6178A16A3F34-768x1024.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/AE95BED2-58C6-43F7-9595-6178A16A3F34-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"21049\" data-link=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?attachment_id=21049\" class=\"wp-image-21049\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/AE95BED2-58C6-43F7-9595-6178A16A3F34-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/AE95BED2-58C6-43F7-9595-6178A16A3F34-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/AE95BED2-58C6-43F7-9595-6178A16A3F34-570x760.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/AE95BED2-58C6-43F7-9595-6178A16A3F34.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Despite its remote location M\u00e9rtola has a tourist office, we secure a map and continue on&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/418F68B8-9A93-4062-A014-BD545B323FAF-1024x768.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/418F68B8-9A93-4062-A014-BD545B323FAF-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"21050\" data-link=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?attachment_id=21050\" class=\"wp-image-21050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/418F68B8-9A93-4062-A014-BD545B323FAF-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/418F68B8-9A93-4062-A014-BD545B323FAF-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/418F68B8-9A93-4062-A014-BD545B323FAF-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/418F68B8-9A93-4062-A014-BD545B323FAF-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/418F68B8-9A93-4062-A014-BD545B323FAF-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/418F68B8-9A93-4062-A014-BD545B323FAF.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Originally built as a mosque, but now the Igreja Matriz.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>The story of M\u00e9rtola 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 M\u00e9rtola and the rest of southern Spain and Portugal until they we driven out by the Knights of the Order of Santiago in 1238.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hence M\u00e9rtola 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\u2019s offsider from memory) in the 13th century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1159096F-3AD1-4081-8919-B9D8325FCBF1.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1159096F-3AD1-4081-8919-B9D8325FCBF1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21056\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1159096F-3AD1-4081-8919-B9D8325FCBF1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1159096F-3AD1-4081-8919-B9D8325FCBF1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1159096F-3AD1-4081-8919-B9D8325FCBF1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1159096F-3AD1-4081-8919-B9D8325FCBF1-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1159096F-3AD1-4081-8919-B9D8325FCBF1-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1159096F-3AD1-4081-8919-B9D8325FCBF1.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Another view of the Igreja Matriz.  It is almost square in shape, topped with conical decoration.  Built a thousand years ago it was reconsecrated as a church in the 13th century.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/199A52D0-E796-4C12-8324-821525E19B76-1024x768.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/199A52D0-E796-4C12-8324-821525E19B76-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"21053\" data-link=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?attachment_id=21053\" class=\"wp-image-21053\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/199A52D0-E796-4C12-8324-821525E19B76-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/199A52D0-E796-4C12-8324-821525E19B76-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/199A52D0-E796-4C12-8324-821525E19B76-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/199A52D0-E796-4C12-8324-821525E19B76-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/199A52D0-E796-4C12-8324-821525E19B76-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/199A52D0-E796-4C12-8324-821525E19B76.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">The vaulted ceiling has a Moorish look.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/64EBE8DC-CAA4-44FD-B7C4-23B14F524689-1024x768.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/64EBE8DC-CAA4-44FD-B7C4-23B14F524689-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"21055\" data-link=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?attachment_id=21055\" class=\"wp-image-21055\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/64EBE8DC-CAA4-44FD-B7C4-23B14F524689-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/64EBE8DC-CAA4-44FD-B7C4-23B14F524689-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/64EBE8DC-CAA4-44FD-B7C4-23B14F524689-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/64EBE8DC-CAA4-44FD-B7C4-23B14F524689-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/64EBE8DC-CAA4-44FD-B7C4-23B14F524689-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/64EBE8DC-CAA4-44FD-B7C4-23B14F524689.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Inside the Sacristy. I felt a little uncomfortable.<br\/> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Next door to the church there is an excavation site and display museum.  The exhibitions overlap somewhat between the Roman and Moorish times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/C941D2E8-4092-4E2D-95F0-1ED2B89645E9-1024x768.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/C941D2E8-4092-4E2D-95F0-1ED2B89645E9-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"21059\" data-link=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?attachment_id=21059\" class=\"wp-image-21059\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/C941D2E8-4092-4E2D-95F0-1ED2B89645E9-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/C941D2E8-4092-4E2D-95F0-1ED2B89645E9-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/C941D2E8-4092-4E2D-95F0-1ED2B89645E9-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/C941D2E8-4092-4E2D-95F0-1ED2B89645E9-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/C941D2E8-4092-4E2D-95F0-1ED2B89645E9-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/C941D2E8-4092-4E2D-95F0-1ED2B89645E9.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">A highlight being the remnants of a Roman colonnade lined with stone columns, sections of the original mosaic survive.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E58125E3-D16F-4102-A603-4DAAA774F8B2-1024x768.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E58125E3-D16F-4102-A603-4DAAA774F8B2-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"21058\" data-link=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?attachment_id=21058\" class=\"wp-image-21058\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E58125E3-D16F-4102-A603-4DAAA774F8B2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E58125E3-D16F-4102-A603-4DAAA774F8B2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E58125E3-D16F-4102-A603-4DAAA774F8B2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E58125E3-D16F-4102-A603-4DAAA774F8B2-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E58125E3-D16F-4102-A603-4DAAA774F8B2-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E58125E3-D16F-4102-A603-4DAAA774F8B2.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">There are only small sections of mosaic remaining but you get the usual hunting scene theme.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1CF4E5C2-487A-4F82-8BD9-5B8372A9221D-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1CF4E5C2-487A-4F82-8BD9-5B8372A9221D-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1CF4E5C2-487A-4F82-8BD9-5B8372A9221D-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1CF4E5C2-487A-4F82-8BD9-5B8372A9221D-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1CF4E5C2-487A-4F82-8BD9-5B8372A9221D-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1CF4E5C2-487A-4F82-8BD9-5B8372A9221D-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1CF4E5C2-487A-4F82-8BD9-5B8372A9221D.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The next excavation is that of an Islamic village.  This is the ruin of one of several houses they have found.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7B979D9F-63F9-41A7-BFF6-83F167C9BD00-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21060\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7B979D9F-63F9-41A7-BFF6-83F167C9BD00-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7B979D9F-63F9-41A7-BFF6-83F167C9BD00-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7B979D9F-63F9-41A7-BFF6-83F167C9BD00-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7B979D9F-63F9-41A7-BFF6-83F167C9BD00-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7B979D9F-63F9-41A7-BFF6-83F167C9BD00-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/7B979D9F-63F9-41A7-BFF6-83F167C9BD00.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Thought you may find this photo of the village cemetery interesting. Not sure of the pecking order in here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/CA4A66F0-BC98-40AC-9F2B-C3AD1270ADF0-1024x768.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/CA4A66F0-BC98-40AC-9F2B-C3AD1270ADF0-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"21063\" data-link=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?attachment_id=21063\" class=\"wp-image-21063\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/CA4A66F0-BC98-40AC-9F2B-C3AD1270ADF0-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/CA4A66F0-BC98-40AC-9F2B-C3AD1270ADF0-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/CA4A66F0-BC98-40AC-9F2B-C3AD1270ADF0-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/CA4A66F0-BC98-40AC-9F2B-C3AD1270ADF0-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/CA4A66F0-BC98-40AC-9F2B-C3AD1270ADF0-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/CA4A66F0-BC98-40AC-9F2B-C3AD1270ADF0.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/6D273AB4-7BFC-48BA-860E-81F9232A546C-1024x768.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/6D273AB4-7BFC-48BA-860E-81F9232A546C-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"21061\" data-link=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?attachment_id=21061\" class=\"wp-image-21061\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/6D273AB4-7BFC-48BA-860E-81F9232A546C-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/6D273AB4-7BFC-48BA-860E-81F9232A546C-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/6D273AB4-7BFC-48BA-860E-81F9232A546C-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/6D273AB4-7BFC-48BA-860E-81F9232A546C-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/6D273AB4-7BFC-48BA-860E-81F9232A546C-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/6D273AB4-7BFC-48BA-860E-81F9232A546C.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally at the top of the hill we enter the Castelo and spent 10 minutes walking the parapets taking in the views around M\u00e9rtola.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E5B662B3-0980-42DD-B8BD-862BA0CBE9C4-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E5B662B3-0980-42DD-B8BD-862BA0CBE9C4-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E5B662B3-0980-42DD-B8BD-862BA0CBE9C4-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E5B662B3-0980-42DD-B8BD-862BA0CBE9C4-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E5B662B3-0980-42DD-B8BD-862BA0CBE9C4-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E5B662B3-0980-42DD-B8BD-862BA0CBE9C4-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/E5B662B3-0980-42DD-B8BD-862BA0CBE9C4.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The weather app tells us another 39 degree day in M\u00e9rtola is on its way.  So it\u2019s time to retreat to the Hymer and make for the coast and hopefully a coolish breeze. We set the GPS for Odemira and head west.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/735B2438-C9D6-49B0-87A6-DB8C295D77CA-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21068\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/735B2438-C9D6-49B0-87A6-DB8C295D77CA-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/735B2438-C9D6-49B0-87A6-DB8C295D77CA-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/735B2438-C9D6-49B0-87A6-DB8C295D77CA-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/735B2438-C9D6-49B0-87A6-DB8C295D77CA-570x428.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/735B2438-C9D6-49B0-87A6-DB8C295D77CA-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/735B2438-C9D6-49B0-87A6-DB8C295D77CA.jpeg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Although it looks like Coolamon in the Riverina, its just outside Jo\u00e3o Serra in central Portugal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Michael and Pam<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Date: 28th August 2019 Travelled: 132 kms from \u00c9vora to M\u00e9rtola Visited: M\u00e9rtola Stayed: M\u00e9rtola riverside car-park, free + W+B. N37.63806, W07.66201 Budget: 80 days @ \u20ac76 per day It was late morning by the time we departed \u00c9vora, making our way south along the IP2. The road is excellent. We stop at Beja finding [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":21062,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[59],"tags":[115],"class_list":{"0":"post-21037","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-portugal","8":"tag-portuguese-villages","9":"czr-hentry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21037","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21037"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21037\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23200,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21037\/revisions\/23200"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21037"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21037"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21037"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}