Mértola - There are still places like this! by Jorge Branco

MÃ&#x2030;RTOLA There Are Still Places Like This!

Portugal . Alentejo

MÉRTOLA

There Are Still Places Like This! Overlooking the River Guadiana, the village of Mértola offers visitors the charm of whitewashed houses on terraced streets adorned with orange trees and illuminated by bright sunlight. The streets lined with time-worn flagstones, witness to the history of a town surrounded by the old wall and forever marked by the cultural heritage of the many peoples who met here, giving it the title of museum town. At one point an important trading post, when it was the last port north of the “rio grande do sul” (“great river of the south”), as the River Guadiana is known, Mértola was a stopping point for Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Suebi and Visigoths, Arabs and Christians. Today, this historical legacy can still be seen in the many museum centres of the Museum of Mértola distributed around the town, in the features of the houses, the singing of the voices, in the letters and words, in the aromas and flavours, in the art of eating well and welcoming. Beyond the bustle of the town, the horizon invites you to wander through the landscape, which changes from gentle hills and rolling plains, to abrupt slopes and dense areas of juniper scrub land alongside the Guadiana river.These lands are part of the vast area of the Vale do Guadiana Natural Park, a refuge for emblematic species such as the Iberian imperial eagle, the black stork, the otter, the wild cat, several species of bats, reptiles and amphibians, and a flora rich in aromatic and medicinal plants that give the fields a unique colour and aroma. O Pulo do Lobo, the river beach of Tapada Grande, the channels of the Guadiana, the old mining complex of S. Domingos or the old river port of

Pomarão are but some of the places worth visiting in a municipality that is vast in space and tranquillity. Throughout the year, the landscape varies between winter green and spring colours. Summer leaves the landscape dry and golden, like the deserts of the south. The seasonal hot, dry south-eastern wind (locally known as the “Suão”) stirs up the accustomed quiet of the town, which is kept active, throughout the year, by several cultural events. Not to be missed are the River Fish Festival, Islamic Festival, the Town Feast and the Hunting Fair. And as the Alentejo is not only known for its calm, there are plenty of options for days full of excitement: a trip down the river, a paragliding trip, walking a trail on a moonlit night, a hunt in the municipality, which is the National Hunting Capital, a trip in an all-terrain vehicle or a boat ride on the Guadiana, are only some of them. In the presence of so many delights, do not forget the local cuisine and the excellent food products such as the sausages and hams, cheeses, bread or rosemary honey, to be tasted here or taken home as a memento. On the road to the Parish Church (previously a mosque), a stop at the Weaving Workshop is a must. An integral part of the Museum of Mértola, woollen blankets are still woven on traditional looms here. Here, there are many reasons to visit and stay on. Today, the municipality is one of those places of tradition, warmth and tranquillity and lived experience where it is pleasant to spend time and enjoy oneself!

Welcome to Mértola!// 3

Mértola, is Alentejo Mértola is the horizon, is space and time. Mértola is the plowed lands, the rolling plains, the holm oak forests and the flowering gum rockroses. Mértola is the Guadiana River and its calm waters heading to south. Mértola is history and heritage, is the “cante alentejano” (traditional singing style from Alentejo). Mértola is memory and cosiness. It is sunshine, heat, light, is a starry sky and nights of moonlight. Mértola is flavour, is a glass of fine wine and fine “tapas”. Mértola is the white houses of painted bands. Is the chat of the people during the long summer nights. Mértola is the horizon, is space and time. Mértola is Alentejo.

“Cante Alentejano” Unesco | Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity 2014.

MÉRTOLA, MUSEUM TOWN Since the beginning of the 1980s of the 20th century, that an intense archaeological activity revealed the village’s grand past. The traces show the presence of Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians, in occupations that aimed at controlling the trade routes. The most important historical periods of the town were the roman Myrtilis lulia, the islamic Martulah and the christian Mértola. In successive archaeological campaigns were discovered several architectural traces, artifacts of arts and crafts and all sort of objects of the daily life attesting the importance of the town during these periods. The testimonies collected, regorously studied and preserved are today, the sediment of the identity of this territory and constitute the collections of their various museums. Mértola is a living museum, which goes beyond the walls of their 14 centers. The museum is also present in the trace of the streets, the architecture of the houses, the human and natural landscape and in the culture and traditions that to this day many strive to preserve

Tour Suggestions Guided tours to the historical center of Mértola and Museums. Mértola Archaeological Research Camp; Center for Islamic Studies. Programs and thematic routes: Old Smuggling Route; Circuit of the Water and Windmills. Mértola Weaving Workshop.

Heritage Tour Circuit 01 02 03

National Monuments Ancient Mosque/ Church Castle River Tower

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Museums Alcáçova Islamic Art Sacral Art Paleochristian Basilica Mértola Traditional House Roman House Chapel and Necropolis of S. Sebastian Blacksmith’s Workshop Museum Hotel Weaving Workshop Castle Tower

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Museums outside Mértola Monastery Museum (Mosteiro) Miner’s House (Mina de S. Domingos) Alcaria dos Javazes Museum (Alcaria dos Javazes)

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Outros Locais de Interesse Clock Tower S. Francisco Convent Azenhas do Guadiana (Watermill) Museum of Smuggling (Santana de Cambas) S. Miguel do Pinheiro Windmill museum (S. Miguel do Pinheiro)

not to be missed

MĂŠrtola Weaving Workshop Weaving woollen blankets is one of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest traditional arts. At the MĂŠrtola Weaving Workshop, a cooperative of weavers continues to keep this tradition alive. The decorative motifs of these blankets are similar to an ornamental style seen in ancient Berber traditions, which is also found in archaeological objects. The workshop includes a store where several of the articles manufactured here are sold: woollen blankets, patchwork rugs, linen towels, socks and a lot more. The workshop still provides a display of ancient instruments linked to wool and linen activities, as well as an exhibition of textiles manufactured in the workshop and the hill-side settlements of the county.

MÉRTOLA ALL YEAR! Throughout the year there are many events that take place throughout the county. Each one celebrates the culture, the traditions, the gastronomy, the memories and the bonds between people. There are markets and pilgrimages, shows and sporting events, feasts and festivals, rendezvous and returns. On each date and in each event, accepted the invitation and come up to Mértola!

Calendar of events Art Non Stop and Mértola Art // February // Mértola Remembering Serrão Martins February // Mértola and Mina de S. Domingos Fish River Festival // March // Pomarão Honey, Cheese and Bread Street Market // April // Mértola Arab Festival // May (biennial) // Mértola Miner’s Festival // June// Mina de S. Domingos Town Festival // June // Mértola Youth Festival // August// Mina de S. Domingos Cross-border Agricultural Fair of Vale do Poço // September // co-organized by the municipalities of Mértola and Serpa. Hunting Fair // October // Mértola Month of Music // October to December // Mértola

not to be missed

Arab Festival Throughout the Arab Festival, all of Mértola resounds with a mixture of sounds from the other side of the Mediterranean. In the “souk” (traditional Arab market), the leather goods, the djellabas, the incense, the sandalwood, the mint tea, the spices and the mixture of Arabic and Portuguese voices give a special colour, aroma and melody to the streets covered with cloth; a perfect refuge from the sun. On those days, the encounter of cultures is celebrated through music, in which the voices of “Cante Alentejano” (traditional Alentejo singing), the strumming of lutes and the drumming of darbukas can be heard. But the festival is also the conferences, the exhibitions, the theater, the gastronomy, the heritage, the workshops, the arts and crafts and the awareness of the local history and legacy. With the festival we praise a community opened to culture diversity and intercultural awareness; a community focused on cross-culture dialog and conviviality.The festival takes place every two years in the month of May.

www.festivalislamicodemertola.com

S. DOMINGOS MINE, THE MINING ROUTE The mining area of São Domingos, part of the Iberian Pyrite Belt, was from ancient times a sought after place for the extraction of minerals. Its modern operation began in 1858, at the initiative of the “Mason & Barry” mining company, which continued to operate it until 1966, with around 108 years of regular operation. The Mining Route evokes the mine’s recent past, with a path that passes through streets in S. Domingos Mine, the paths of the old mining complex, continuing along the old railway that ends at the river village of Pomarão, where the old river port from where the mined ore was shipped is located.

Tour Suggestions Guided visit to Mina de S. Domingos village, Mining Route; Home of the Miner Museum and Documentation Center of Mina de S. Domingos; Exhibitions at the local Cine-Theater; Fluvial Beach; The Miners Box - Educational visit programs for schools. Events Miner’s Festival (June) Youth Festival (August)

Mining Route 01 02

Mina de SĂŁo Domingos village Old Industrial complex // Open pit, Ore dock, Malacate,Workshops, Moitinha Station, Achada do Gamo.

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Santana de Cambas village PomarĂŁo riverside village Old railway track

MÃ&#x2030;RTOLA There Are Still Places Like This!

NATURALLY, MĂ&#x2030;RTOLA! The history of the people recorded in ancient texts and in the ruins and artefacts discovered by human hands, together with the history of the valleys, plateaus and plains that give shape to a land that, thanks to its uniqueness and natural wealth, is now classified as the Vale do Guadiana Natural Park. Here, the geography is marked by valleys that sustain the rough margins of the river and its tributaries. These valleys are joined, in a sublime way, by areas of dense Mediterranean scrublands and areas of typical Alentejo landscape: holm oak forests scattered between vast rolling plains.This broad area of an inland and unique Alentejo, is the perfect refuge for a wide range of wild species of high natural value.

Tour Suggestions Pulo do Lobo waterfall, 10 walking trails, guided walking tours, natures and landscape interpretation tours, birdwatching, cycling, 4X4 trails, outdoors adventure (paint-ball, kayak canoeing, archery, team building), paragliding, nature preservation activities.

Walking Trails PR1 PR2 PR3 PR4 PR5 PR6 PR7 PR8 PR9 PR10

Guadiana, The great river of the south The Guadiana Kiddle The banks of the Guadiana Around the “Montado” To the rhythm of the waters of Vascão Between the steppe and the “Montado” Ascent to Senhora do Amparo Chapel A Riverside itinerary Between Escalda and Pulo do Lobo Minning Route

VALE DO GUADIANA NATURAL PARK Area// 69,773 ha, covering part of the municipalities of Mértola and Serpa Created// 18 November 1995 Organisation in Charge// Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas The Natural Park belongs to the National Network of Protected Areas

not to be missed

Pulo do Lobo

Pulo de Lobo (“Wolf’s Leap”) is the heart of the Vale do Guadiana Natural Park. In this 16 metre waterfall (the main geological feature of this Great River of the South), one can feel the earth’s forces in action, which have moulded the river valley, creating a rocky gorge that climbs the river in the direction of its source.This is the home of the black stork, the royal eagle and black vulture. Around it, the Mediterranean scrub fills us with colours and smells. The enchantment around this place is beyond compare, and we can even imagine a wolf leaping between the edges of the gorge at its narrowest point. Pulo is geological, representing landscape and biodiversity, while also being a symbol of the restlessness of a river that cannot resist joining the sea farther to the south.

not to be missed

Birdwatching

The municipality of Mértola is a territory of excellence for birdwatching. Its vast area offers a diversity of habitats and welcomes therefore a wide variety of species. The Mediterranean thicket, the shores and riverbeds of the water courses and the rocky blossoms allow the presence of a truly rich birdlife and are primordial for the refuge and nesting of birds that are highly threatened such as Black Stork, Black Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle or Eagle-owl. These areas are also great for species like Crag Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Blue Rock Thrush and Rock Bunting. In the rolling plain areas, the heavens are dominated by the flights of both the Iberian-Imperial Eagle and the Eurasian Griffon. These steppe lands are also home for species like Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse or Montagu’s Harrier. Along the roads and paths one can easily see White Stork, Hoopoe or Azure-winged Magpie. The town of Mértola is home to the last national urban colony of a rather rare and threatened species - the Lesser Kestrel. At Mina de S. Domingos, the ruins of the old mine complex are the nesting place for White-rumped Swift. In the territoire there are five birdwatching routes for you to explore. Also, Mértola municipality forms part of the Visit Portugal Birdwatching partnership, which conducts birdwatching programmes throughout the country.

Faisca

www.visitportugalbirdwatching.com

not to be missed

River Beach of S. Domingos Mine If you are driving from MĂŠrtola on road N265, prepare to be surprised by a vast, clear and calm water body, surrounded by shade trees on the shores of a river beach of white sand. First built to supply the settlement and mining works, this reservoir today takes on other, more recreational purposes. For bathing, the bathing season begins June 15 and ends September 15, but the beach is a place to be enjoyed all year round!

Conditions Guarded beach; picnic area and grill, parking for light vehicles, caravans and cars, caravan service station, bar and toilet facilities, open-air amphitheatre, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s park, walking trails, canoe rentals, canoeing sport training programs. Tour Suggestions Canoeing, guided walking tours, guided tours to Mina de S. Domingos, Mining Route, Minerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House Museum, Open air cinema (Sundays during the summer time), Beach library.

MÉRTOLA, NATIONAL HUNTING CAPITAL Mértola is a land of people with history, of museums and heritage, the meeting point of cultures, unspoiled wilderness, a land of unique aromas and flavours. These are also hunting grounds, lands of vast rolling plains and wild nature that stretch towards the horizon, lands of juniper and scrub, undiscriminating shelter to excellent game species such as the red partridge, wild hare and hare. This is a territory with widely recognised hunting traditions, and is known to many as the hunting capital!

Main game species The Red-legged Partridge, Hare and Wild Rabbit in their natural habitat are the excellent game species found in this territory. Among larger game, the Wild Boar, Deer and Fallow Deer stand out. The hunting season in Portugal is in the months of August and May, with different periods based on the species. Tour Suggestions In total, the area of Mértola consists of more than 100 Hunting Areas. The most frequent hunting methods are: Beating; Still Hunting; Stand Hunting and Hunting Dogs. Cuisine and Hunting: Mértola is a top destination of choice for connoisseurs of cuisine related to hunting. Check our local restaurants. Events Mértola Hunting Fair (October)

GUADIANA, THE GREAT RIVER OF THE SOUTH! A river that comes from Spain and becomes a large lake carved from the walls of the reservoir in Alqueva. A river that descends on a bed encased by mountains and valleys, a river with an unusual path, millenary refuge for wildlife, a river with history and histories of peoples, lives and trades.A river that was a fragrant port to the Mediterranean.A river that carried minerals and cereals to faraway destinations.A river that encompasses adventure, sport and culture. A river that lives and transforms itself with each season, each tide, each rainfall or dry period: this is the Guadiana, the great river of the south!

Tour Suggestions Boat tours between Mértola and Vila Real de Santo António in the Algarve, Kayak canoeing, Night kayak canoeing, Canoe rental, Canoeing Training Centre, Fishing. The river cuisine: check the river fish specialities at the local restaurants. Events River Fish Festival (Pomarão village/ March)

MÉRTOLA, WITH FLAVOUR The cuisine is seasonal, Mediterranean based, richly flavoured and colourful, a testament to the contribution and fusion of various peoples and cultures. The key ingredients are bread, olive oil, tomatoes, pork, lamb or game, sausages, freshwater fish and, of course, herbs! Typical dishes include boiled chick-peas, partridge soup, grilled Iberian pork, asparagus bread soup, lamb stews or freshwater fish dishes, “tomatadas”, gazpachos, and many others. Dishes with wild asparagus, tubers or mushrooms also stand out. Excellent local products such as wines, sausages, cheese, honey and bread round up the gastronomical offerings. Faced with such a spread, visit one of our restaurants and give yourself up to the art of eating well!

Tour Suggestions Route of restaurants, Wine Tasting,Visits to local producers, Taverns Route, Local market, Local shops. Shopping list Serpa’s sheep cheese (PDO), Cured goat cheese, Alentejo Traditional Bread, Honey, Traditional Bakery: Costas, Pupias and Nógado. Linguiça do Baixo Alentejo (PGI) and Chouriço de Carne do Baixo Alentejo (PGI) (cured sausages); Presunto and Paleta do Alentejo (cured hams) (PDO). Baixo Alentejo Lamb (PGI), Alentejo Pork Meat (PDO), Carne Mertolenga (Beef) (PDO), Alentejo Wine, Aromatic herbs, Essential oils, Infusions, Traditional blankets and crafts. Events River Fish Festival (Pomarão village/ March) Honey, Cheese and Bread Street Market (April)

MĂ&#x2030;RTOLA, WHERE TO STAY The warm welcome in MĂŠrtola is guaranteed by the sympathy and hospitality of the people. The various accommodation proposals are known by their cosy and family atmospheres, suited to those who love the unique quietness of Alentejo. In the county the offer of accommodation is varied and the options are toggled between hotels, country houses, B&BS and hostels in a total of more than 20 lodging units.

Know all about our accommodation offers at www.visitmertola.pt

MÉRTOLA TOURISM | CONTACTS All the information on tourist attractions, local tourism companies, restaurants and accommodation at

MÉRTOLA There Are Still Places Like This!

www.visitmertola.pt Tourism Office tel. 00 351 286 610 109 e-mail. turismo@cm-mertola.pt Municipality of Mértola tel. 00 351 286 610 100 e-mail. geral@cm-mertola.pt web. www.cm-mertola.pt

edição co-financiada por

Distances from Mértola to: Oporto 498km Lisbon 232km Faro 130km Seville 188km

edition - Fundação Serrão Martins coordination - Merturis photography - Jorge Branco (C.M. Mértola) except 5 vineyard Herdade do Lagos, 23 Carlos Carrapato (PNVG), 27 Faisca, 36 Herdade de Vale Côvo, Casa da Tia Amália e Hotel S. Domingos. design - Jorge Branco (C.M. Mértola)

MÃ&#x2030;RTOLA There Are Still Places Like This!