The beautiful Guadiana River flows simultaneously in two countries, Spain and Portugal, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. In the border zone between the two states there is a protected protected area, with the poetic name Natural Park of the Guadiana Valley. It is there, in the reserve of Vale do Guadiana, the ancient Portuguese town of Mertola is located.
In these regions for many centuries there was a redistribution of land and power. The city was ruled by the Romans, Arabs, and it also managed to visit the official residence of the knightly Order of St. James. Mertola was also the northernmost port on the Guadiana River, through which minerals were transported to the sea, so its strategic importance is undeniable.
The medieval castle of Mertola is considered the main attraction of the city. The fortification building was built in Romanesque and Gothic style, to this day it was possible to preserve sections of the external walls, fortified by towers, and the main donjon tower, decorated with teeth, remained. The donjon contains petroglyphs from the time of the Romans and Visigoths, there are also ancient stones with inscriptions in Portuguese and Arabic. A visit to the castle is paid.
Nearby are open-air excavations of Roman settlements, there is a life-size model of a Muslim house.
The town itself has well-preserved medieval narrow streets, you can go on an excursion to the Museum of Islam, see the clock tower and look at small souvenir shops. The Catholic Church of Nossa Señora da Anunciano was built in the XI century, it is a former mosque. For a walking tour, a walk to the Guadiana River is suitable, on the bank of which the ruins of the Roman river port, part of the defensive structures and the bridge remain.
17 kilometers from Mertola is the largest waterfall in southern Portugal, called Pulo do Lobo or Wolf Jump. The river Guadiana is on all sides clamped by rocks, and with a rumble, splashes tends to break free, then continue its calm current.
In the town of Mertola there are hotels where you can stay for the night or rent a house with a view of the picturesque surroundings during your stay in these parts.
Mertola is part of the Alentejo region, which is famous for its wine-making traditions, the production of high-quality grains, olives and bread. If you are traveling in these places, be sure to taste the local soup "alentejo gazpaccio", which is cooked with cod and sausages, and there is hot. Another traditional dish is fried pork or the meat of a young lamb with locally produced rice. Deserve the attention of gourmets and connoisseurs of exquisite dishes local cheeses and sweets.
