Castle of Mertola
Statue of Ibn Qasi
The castle of Mertola is located on the highest point of the town due to its military importance. Close to the entrance, a statue of Ibn Qasi (Abu-l-Qasim Ahmad ibn al-Husayn ibn Qasi) stands outside the castle. Ibn Qasi was a local Muslim leader who resisted the advance of the Almoravid in this region. He was governor of the Taifa of Mertola, later he was assassinated in Silves in 1151. On a plaque, beside his statue it shows the years when he ruled Mertola.
History
During the roman period, this town was called Myrtilis and the Muslims changed its name to Martula. During the Muslim period in Mertola, a castle stood here. It is said that main door had a beautiful arch to enter the castle. Everything of the Muslim castle has lost but apart from few bases of the towers.
During the 10th-11th centuries, this area was used as a living space. In the early 12th century, this part of the town gained military importance and castle was used to serve its purpose as military use only. In 1238, the castle was taken from the Moors by King Sancho II. A reconstruction was carried out by the knights of the Order of Saint James of the Sword after the town was taken by the Christians. Between 1240-1245 and 1316, this town became the seat of the Military Order of Santiago.
Cistern of the Castle of Mertola is in the middle of the courtyard which is surrounded by four towers. From the Islamic period, drainage was system is found here along with many ceramic and glass objects.
Mertola town sits in the middle of the Guadiana Valley Natural Park and from the castle walls, the panoramic views of the surrounding areas are breathtaking. From the castle one not only sees the town of Mertola but also the River Guadiana. One one side of the castle, a bridge connects the Ribeira de Oeiras on N122. Looking to the opposite side, the Mertola town spreads beyond the Matriz Church, which was once a Muslim mosque.
Torre de Menagem
The Carouche Tower of the castle is in the southwest and it is a cubic tower 4.7 meters (15 ft) wide. Torre de Menagem is a keep of the castle, it is 30m tall and it has two floors. The first floor of this keep displays historical exhibition while the second floor is dedicated to the Order of Santiago. Some of the items on display comes from Islamic Period in Mertola.
The weapons hall is situated on the first floor, covered with cross-vaulted ceiling. Then a staircase leads to the second floor of the keep. This room has only few photos which refer to the Order of Santiago which was established in this castle.
Panoramic views from the keep
Climbing further up to the top, one can have some splendid views of the town. Looking towards the south from the castle keep, the Carouche Tower and the castle walls can be seen. Looking towards the north, the River Guadiana and a bridge above it, can be seen. Oeiras river passes to the south-west of the town of Mertola, this river is a tributary of the Guadiana river.
