Hello everyone and welcome to my blog :-)
I spoke about Mértola in general and now we will delve deeper into some of the most emblematic points of this beautiful Alentejo land.
Mértola Castle, located at the highest point of the town, is one of the most emblematic and fascinating monuments in the entire Alentejo. Surrounded by an aura of history and mystery, the castle offers visitors a privileged view of the Guadiana River and the slopes. Its imposing structure and strategic location leave no doubt about its defensive function over the centuries against invasions.
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Falei de Mértola de um modo geral e agora vamos aprofundar alguns dos pontos mais emblemáticos desta bonita terra alentejana.
O Castelo de Mértola, situado no ponto mais alto da vila, é um dos monumentos mais emblemáticos e fascinantes de todo Alentejo. Envolto numa aura de história e mistério, o castelo oferece a quem o visita uma vista privilegiada sobre o Rio Guadiana e as encostas. A sua estrutura imponente e o local estratégico não deixam dúvidas quanto função defensiva ao longo dos séculos contra invasões.
The origins of the castle date back to the 13th century, when it was built by Christians, after the reconquest of the town. However, the occupation of the territory where the castle is located is much older. Mértola has had strategic importance since Roman times, through the Islamic period, during which the town was a cultural and economic center. Islamic influence marks one of the richest phases in history, with the village then known as "Martulah". During Muslim rule, Mértola grew and developed around a casbá (fortified area), which was then adapted and integrated into the construction of the Christian castle.
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As origens do castelo datam do século XIII, quando foi edificado pelos cristãos, após a reconquista da vila. Contudo, a ocupação do território onde o castelo se encontra é bem mais antiga. Mértola teve uma importância estratégica desde os tempos romanos, passando pelo período islâmico, durante o qual a vila foi um centro cultural e económico. A influência islâmica marca uma das fases mais ricas da história , sendo a vila conhecida então como "Martulah". Durante o domínio muçulmano, Mértola cresceu e desenvolveu-se em torno de um casbá (zona fortificada), que foi depois adaptada e integrada na construção do castelo cristão.
The keep, about 30 meters high, offers a spectacular view of the landscape around us and, at the same time, shows the resistance of its stone construction, affirming the crucial role of the castle in defending the territory.
It is the most striking element of the castle, it was the last line of defense and served as an observation post as it allowed controlling movement on the river, as well as in adjacent areas.
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A torre de menagem, tem cerca de 30 metros de altura, oferece uma vista espetacular sobre a paisagem ao nosso redor e, ao mesmo tempo, mostra a resistência da sua construção em pedra, afirmando o papel crucial do castelo na defesa do território.
É o elemento mais marcante do castelo, era a última linha de defesa e servia de posto de observação pois permitia controlar o movimento no rio, bem como nas áreas adjacentes.
It was possible to explore the interior of the castle, and we found traces of medieval life, with spaces dedicated to the exhibition of artifacts and archaeological pieces discovered nearby. These exhibitions help tell the story of the inhabitants of the castle and the village, allowing us to understand and learn about the conditions in which the village's defenders lived. It was possible to see weapons, household utensils and pottery shards.
We were able to observe some older structures, probably of Islamic origin, that were incorporated into the Christian castle.
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Foi possivel explorar o interior do castelo, e encontramos vestígios da vida medieval, com espaços dedicados à exposição de artefactos e peças arqueológicas descobertas nas proximidades. Estas exposições ajudam a contar a história dos habitantes do castelo e da vila, permitindo perceber e conhecer as condições em que os defensores da vila viviam. Foi possível ver armas, utensílios domésticos e fragmentos de cerâmica.
Conseguimos observar algumas estruturas mais antigas, provavelmente de origem islâmica, que foram incorporadas no castelo cristão.
I loved learning about the past of the civilizations that shaped Sergipe. The preservation of this heritage is crucial for understanding the cultural and political dynamics that marked the region. I loved walking between the walls and climbing the tower.
Mértola Castle is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful I have ever visited :)
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Adorei conhecer o passado das civilizações que moldaram o Alentejo. A preservação deste património é crucial para o entendimento das dinâmicas culturais e políticas que marcaram a região. Adorei caminhar entre as muralhas e subir à torre.
O Castelo de Mértola é, sem dúvida, um dos mais bonitos que já visitei :)
I hope you enjoyed.
See you around.
Wishing you much peace and health
Those who pass by us do not go alone. They leave a bit of themselves, taking a piece of us."
Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince.
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Thank U :-)
Loving the effort you put into posting so regularly. More importantly the quality of your photography and the style of capturing them in a way that keeps us just ogling at it as we scroll past them.😬😛
Hi there @coffeenlove ! I love doing this posts and be able to show how Portugal is amazing! Great places, amazing food, beautiful beaches and so much history 😊 Thanks for stopping by!
It just unbelievable how history just comes alive in Mertola - from the castle to the museum with artifacts found in the river. I was especially fascinated by the story about the remains of ancient civilizations that passed through this place. It is interesting how you really feel among such walls, with the thought that once these same landscapes were seen by completely different people. The atmosphere there must be simply fascinating !😍