Above the parish church looms Mértola’s fortified castle, most of which dates from the 13th century. It was built upon Moorish foundations next to an Islamic residence, the alcáçova (citadel), which itself overlaid the Roman forum. For centuries the castle was considered western Iberia’s most impregnable fortress.
From its prominent tower, the Torre de Menagem, and the walls, there are ultra-fabulous views – the alcáçova is on one side, and the old town and the river on the other.
