Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This little clock tower, topped with a stork's nest and overlooking the Rio Guadiana, is
northeast of Largo Luís de Camões. Alongside it is a municipal building with a rooftop
worthy of Van Gogh.
CHURCH
Igreja Matriz
(Rua da Igreja; Tue-Sun)
Mértola's striking parish church - square, flat-faced and
topped with whimsical little conical decorations - is most known because in a former in-
carnation it was a mosque, one of the few in the country to have survived the Reconquista.
It was reconsecrated as a church in the 13th century. Look out for an unwhitewashed cav-
ity in the wall, behind the altar; in former times this served as the mosque's
mihrab
(pray-
er niche).
Note also the goats, lions and other figures carved around the peculiar Gothic portal and
the typically Moorish horseshoe arch in the north door.
Torre do Rio
At the river's edge, near its confluence with the Ribeira de Oeiras, is the ruined, Roman-
era Torre do Rio (River Tower), which once guarded the vital port.
TOWER
Convento de São Francisco
( 286 612 119;
www.conventomertola.com/en
;
admission €3; 10am-6pm Sun)
This 400- year-old
former convent, across the Ribeira de Oeiras, 500m southwest of Largo Vasco da Gama,
has been owned since 1980 by Dutch artist Geraldine Zwanikken and her family. In a true
labour of love, they have gradually transformed the ruins into an extraordinary place, most
simply described as an organic nature reserve full of herbs, rare plants and flowers,
watered by a restored Islamic irrigation system. Locals have their vegetable gardens here.
It's also an art gallery - highlights include Geraldine's modern artworks and, gracing
the former chapel (if they are not in temporary exhibitions elsewhere), the kinetic installa-
tions of renowned artist Christiaan Zwanikken. The nearby riverside is devoted to spe-
cially constructed nests for storks and lesser kestrels.
GARDENS
Activities
You can rent kayaks for trips down the lazy river at
Beira Rio Náutica
( 286 611 190;
www.beirario.pt
; per hr/day from €5/15)
. It also offers boat tours (minimum four; €10 per person).
Parque Natural do
