In a remote past, in particular to the definition of the boundary line with Castile, that would isolate it from of secular connection to the rest of Andalusia, Mértola was an important and lively trading post, the most Northern port in the great road that was the Guadiana.

Its privileged situation and location, occupying a steep hill surrounded by the river Guadiana and Oeiras, assured it an enviable position of defense, reinforced by the imposing walls that belt the whole building set of the old city.

The combination of these factors gave Mértola an historical importance that the current small town, forgotten the status it bore of pre-Roman city, the capital of a Taifa kingdom and seat of the first knights of the Order of Santiago, remotely lets guess. (source: IPPAR)
Getting there: The National Road 122 that connects the Mértola to Beja and Vila Real de Santo António to Mértola.

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O que fazer

- Visit the Castle of Mértola (séc. X) and its museums.

- Visit the old Mina de São Domingos (circuit with placards explaining the geology and mining activities of the area)

- Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation (previously a mosque century. XII)

- Islamic Festival (next edition in 2009)

- Vale do Guadiana Natural Park

- Visit the cellars producing wines Herdade Grous "(about 40 minutes drive from Mértola).