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Mértola, a picturesque village located on the banks of the Guadiana River, is a true journey through time, where the various layers of its ancient history are discovered around every corner. Its origins begin in the pre-Roman settlement until the Roman influence, passing through the Islamic era and the Christian reconquest.
PT
Mértola, uma vila pitoresca localizada nas margens do rio Guadiana, é uma verdadeira viagem no tempo, onde as várias camadas da sua história milenar se descobrem em cada esquina. As suas origens começam no povoado pré-romano até à influência romana, passando pela era islâmica e a reconquista cristã.
Mértola preserves a unique architectural and cultural heritage in Portuguese territory. The presence of these cultures remains visible in the buildings and ruins that make up the village, making it a true open-air museum.
This town was an important trading post due to its strategic location on the Guadiana, facilitating the transport of ore and other goods between the interior and the coast.
PT
Mértola preserva um património arquitetônico e cultural único no território português. A presença dessas culturas permanece visível nos edifícios e ruínas que compõem a vila, tornando-a num verdadeiro museu ao ar livre.
Esta vila foi um importante entreposto comercial devido à sua localização estratégica no Guadiana, facilitando o transporte de minério e outros bens entre o interior e o litoral.
Archaeological excavations that have been carried out over the years have revealed traces of intense mercantile activity, such as discoveries of coins, ceramics and utensils dating back to that time. Today, walking through the village's narrow streets, it is possible to perceive a little of this past by observing the structures that still retain traces of Roman architecture.
PT
As escavações arqueológicas que foram realizadas ao longo dos anos revelaram vestígios de uma intensa atividade mercantil, como descobertas de moedas, cerâmicas e utensílios que datam desta altura. Hoje, ao passear pelas ruas estreitas da vila, é possível perceber um pouco desse passado ao observar as estruturas que ainda conservam traços da arquitetura romana.
However, it was in Islamic times, from the 8th century onwards, that Mértola flourished as an important cultural and economic center. During Muslim rule, the village was known as "Martulah" and became one of the most prosperous Islamic enclaves. During this era, several buildings were constructed, including a mosque, which played a central role in the religious and social life of the community.
PT
Contudo, foi na época islâmica, a partir do século VIII, que Mértola floresceu como um importante centro cultural e económico. Durante o domínio muçulmano, a vila era conhecida como "Martulah" e tornou-se um dos mais prósperos enclaves islâmicos. Durante esta época, foram construídos vários edifícios , incluindo uma mesquita, que tinha um papel central na vida religiosa e social da comunidade.
The old mosque, which was later modified to function as a church after the Christian reconquest, is one of the examples of Islamic architecture still visible in our country. Today, the current Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation preserves the structure of the original mosque, with its mihrab (which indicates the direction of Mecca) still intact.
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A antiga mesquita, que mais tarde foi modificada para funcionar como igreja após a reconquista cristã, é um dos exemplos da arquitetura islâmica ainda visível no nosso país. Hoje, a atual Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Anunciação preserva a estrutura da mesquita original, com o seu mihrab ( que indica a direção de Meca) ainda intacto.
Another point of interest that shows the diverse origins of this village is its medieval castle, built in the 13th century. This castle, located at the highest point of the village, offers a spectacular view of the Guadiana and the white houses that spread across the hillside. When exploring the interior of the castle, it is possible to see some archaeological exhibits, which include weapons, tools and everyday objects, which help us to better understand life in this village.
PT
Outro ponto de interesse que mostra as origens diversas desta vila é o seu castelo medieval, construído no século XIII. Este castelo, situado no ponto mais alto da vila, oferece uma vista espetacular sobre o Guadiana e as casas brancas que se espalham pela encosta. Ao explorar o interior do castelo, é possível ver algumas exposições arqueológicas, que incluem armas, ferramentas e objetos do dia-a-dia, que nos ajudam a compreender melhor a vida nesta vila.
In addition to the historical monuments, the urban layout of Mértola remains faithful to its Islamic origins. The narrow, winding streets, typical of an ancient Kasbah, lead us through a labyrinth of corners. It's easy to get lost, both literally and figuratively. The whitewashed houses, with colorful details on the doors and windows, contrast with the stone ruins, making the landscape very beautiful.
PT
Além dos monumentos históricos, o traçado urbano de Mértola mantém-se fiel à sua origem islâmica. As ruas estreitas e sinuosas, típicas de um antigo casbá, conduzem-nos por um labirinto de recantos. É fácil ficarmos perdidos, tanto no sentido literal como figurado. As casas caiadas de branco, com apontamentos coloridos nas portas e janelas, contrastam com as ruínas de pedra, tornando a paisagem muito bonita.
The Mértola Museum is made up of several centers spread across the town, being crucial in the preservation and dissemination of this legacy, allowing those who come here a deeper understanding of the history of the place. The Islamic art center displays rare pieces of ceramics, jewelry and everyday objects, but unfortunately we were unable to visit as it was closed.
PT
O Museu de Mértola é composto por vários núcleos espalhados pela vila, sendo crucial na preservação e divulgação deste legado, permitindo a quem cá vem, uma compreensão mais profunda da história do local. O núcleo de arte islâmica, exibe peças raras de cerâmica, joias e objetos do quotidiano, mas infelizmente não conseguimos visitar pois estava encerrado.
Each building, ruin is a testimony to Mértola's resilience over the centuries and its ability to absorb and transform diverse influences. It was a surprise for us to discover this village, full of life, people and history. A true heritage hidden in the interior of Alentejo. Of all the places we've been here in the interior, Mértola will always have a special place in our memories :)
PT
Cada edifício, ruína é um testemunho da resiliência de Mértola ao longo dos séculos e da sua capacidade de absorver e transformar diversas influências. Foi uma surpresa para nós conhecer esta vila, cheia de vida, pessoas e história. Um verdadeiro património escondido no interior do Alentejo. De todos os lugares que passamos aqui no interior, Mértola terá sempre um lugar especial nas nossas memórias :)
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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