Torre do Relogio & Casa Romana in Mertola
Torre do Relógio
Torre do Relógio is a tower, situated very close to the Town Hall square. If approached from the River Guadiana then steps bring visitors to the upper level of the town. It is believed that this clock tower was erected in the late 16th century or early 17th century. The current clock at the tower dates back from 1896.
It is an interesting landmark in Mertola, which offers great views of the town and the River Guadiana.
Casa Romana
Casa Romana (the Roman House) is situated under the Town Hall of Mertola. This small, on site museum offers a glimpse into the Roman Mertola. During Roman times, Mertola was a commercial and military trading post. Roman Mertola had an urban perimeter of 65,000 sq meters, probably same as Evora.
The Romans called this city Myrtilis, due to its location and minerals found in the area, this town became an important trading post. Objects found in the place itself are on exhibition plus others associated with the same cultural context.
Between the 5th and 8th century, the economical value of this town declined. There were also Greek tombstones found in the town, that means some merchants traveled all the way from the Byzantine Empire. Mertola regained its prominence during the Muslim rule and Ibn Qasi was one of the most important rulers of the town.
