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

Pacmen64 🇵🇹

March 15, 2025

If you like castles then this is worth a stop. It’s small. You wonder if the rampart by the entrance may fall on you but it’s been like that for centuries. Bit of a walk up the hill past the tower and the church. The town is known for its cheese that you can buy in the shops in the square nearby. We wanted to visit the clock museum as well but it was only open in the afternoon and with the heat we like to do sightseeing in the morning so we missed it.

Pacmen64 🇵🇹

March 23, 2025

Serpa, a border town with frequent conflicts, was, on the eve of the "Reconquista", an important fortified town, dominating fertile farmland. The old wall, built on the top of a small hill, delimited an area of around 21,000 square metres. At the end of the 13th century, King Dinis, in an effort to reorganise the Alentejo region in Christianity, refounded the Muslim town and ordered the construction of the fortress and an imposing urban wall covering 65,000 square metres from scratch.

It is quite possible that the bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria itself, which encloses a cylindrical structure inside, is a living testament to the minaret of the old mosque.

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 290 m

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Location: Serpa (Santa Maria), Beja, Portugal

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