Serpa () is a municipality in the district of Beja in southern Portugal. The population in 2011 was 15,623, in an area of . The Guadiana River flows close to the town of Serpa.

History

235px|left|thumb|Aqueduct in Serpa

thumb|left|235px|Castle of Serpa

Serpa has its origins in early settlement that preceded the Roman occupation of the Iberian peninsula. The neighbouring town of Beja (known as Pax Julia by the Romans) became the capital of southern Lusitanian (Pacensis). Serpa grew through the settlement of Roman colonists, with proof coming from various archaeological remains within the Roman villa.

Moorish settlement followed this period, and remained until the Reconquista (the Christian re-conquest of Iberia).

As a result of Serpa's proximity to the Spanish border, the town has always been a defensive stronghold. In the 13th century, owing to its location on the left bank of the Guadiana, it was occupied by forces loyal to Castile.

On 1281, King D. Alfonso X of Castile delimited the municipality, attributing a Foral (charter) to the town, from Seville, in order to encourage settlement and expansion.

  • Brinches
  • Pias
  • Serpa (Salvador e Santa Maria)
  • Vila Nova de São Bento e Vale de Vargo
  • Vila Verde de Ficalho

Climate

Economy

235px|thumb|left|A view of the [[Serpa solar power plant]]

The area surrounding Serpa consists mostly of farms and cultivated lands of wheat, that have traditionally been the staple of the local economy, employing many people. Due to the area's strong agricultural reliance, the local population has traditionally been agrarian farmers and sheepherders. This has also resulted in the production of its spicy and strong-smelling cheeses, produced in the area and commercialized throughout Portugal. Slightly to the northeast, in the region of Pias, the area cultivates vineyards in order to produce local wines.

On 27 April 2006, GE Energy Financial Services, PowerLight Corporation and Catavento Lda. announced that they would build one of the world's largest solar photovoltaic power projects at a single site in Serpa. The 11-megawatt solar power station, comprising 52,000 photovoltaic modules, would be built in one of Europe's sunniest areas. The power station was inaugurated on 28 March 2007.

  • Filipe La Féria (born 1945) a director, producer and screenwriter for TV and theatre.
  • Luísa Basto (born 1947) a political singer
  • Nelo Vingada (born 1953) a football manager

References

  • Watch & Clock Museum
  • Planicie Dourada Tourist Region
  • Photos from Serpa