Situated just 18 miles from the Spanish border, Serpa is a hilltop town surrounded by an agriculturally fertile landscape and is a relaxed town to visit and explore. With its original town walls still standing, Serpa is a mix of whitewashed houses, beautiful open town squares and religious architecture. It is also a great base for those that want to explore the surrounding plains and olive groves, and is a popular holiday destination for Portuguese people who live in Lisbon.
Porta Nova - Serpa, photo by Antonio Sacchetti
Founded in 400BC by the Turdelos, one of Iberia’s original peoples, it was then settled by the Romans. Like so many other towns in the region, it was then captured by the Moors in the 8th century before being conquered the Portuguese army in the 12th century, only to be taken over again by the Moors some 30 years later. Finally, it fell to the Portuguese once more during the Reconquest under king Sancho II. At the end of the 13th century it was granted its first charter and its castle was expanded and secured.
Upon arrival, visitors are likely to be greeted by the town’s traditional singers, which instantly give Serpa a charming characteristic that is further cemented with a walk through its cobbled streets. There are several buildings worth visiting, namely the 15th century Church of Santo António, which lies beyond the town walls and houses exquisite 18th-century azulejo glazed-tile panels depicting the life of St Francis. There is also a museum of archaeology and a temple devoted to Our Lady of Gupe.
For something a little different, there is also a solar power plant at Serpa, built there due its constant sunny weather. It is one of the world’s largest solar photovoltaic power projects and is a vast expanse of solar panels that makes for interesting viewing. Serpa is also famous for its soft cheese and should be tasted by anyone who visits the town.
More information: visitportugal.com, Alentejo Tourist Office
ATOP members: Alentejo Tourist Office, Castaways Unicorn Holidays, Destination Portugal, Keytel International, Leisure Link Golf Holidays International, Milestones, Pousadas de Portugal, PTG Tours Ltd, Someone2travelwith, Sunvil Discovery, The Villa Agency
