Castle of Mértola

Mértola Castle (Castelo de Mértola) is a well-preserved medieval fortress in the Alentejo region, in Portugal's Beja District. It sits on a hill above the town, where the Oeiras stream meets the Guadiana River, and has defined the local skyline for centuries.

Where is it and what makes it stand out?

The castle towers over Mértola and can be seen from far away, including from the river. The town belongs to the Planície Dourada ("Golden Plain") tourist region. People settled on this hill long before the Middle Ages: traces of occupation go back to Phoenician times, and Mértola served for centuries as an important river port.

What is the castle's history?

The first written mention of the castle dates from the 9th century and describes reinforcement works, so the structure already existed by then. A simpler gate set between two small towers comes from that Emirate period. Behind it stands a gate from the Almohad era (1171) with a bent, elbow-shaped entrance designed to make an assault harder.

In 1238 King Sancho II took the castle from the Moors and gave it to the Order of Santiago. Mértola became the order's first Portuguese headquarters, a role it held until 1316, when the seat moved to Alcácer do Sal.

What should you see there?

• The keep – built in 1292 on the orders of the order's master, João Fernandes, as an inscription over the entrance records. It rises about 30 metres, with a wide sloping base and two interior levels.
• Gates from different eras – set side by side, they show how the fortress grew over the centuries.
• Exhibitions – two displays inside cover the castle's evolution over time and the presence of the Order of Santiago in Mértola.
• Views – the walls and tower look out over the Guadiana valley, the town's white houses and the surrounding hills.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? Entry to the castle is free.

When is it open? Usually Tuesday to Sunday, with a midday break; it is closed on Mondays and on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Hours are longer in summer, so check the current schedule with the Museu de Mértola before you go.

How long should I allow? About an hour is enough for the castle itself. Add time for a walk through Mértola's historic centre and along the river.

Who runs the castle? It is one of the sites of the Museu de Mértola, which also operates other locations around the town.