Serpa Municipality

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Serpa
Municipality
Serpa

Flag
Coat of arms
Location in Portugal
Coordinates: 37°56′N 7°35′W / 37.933°N 7.583°W / 37.933; -7.583Coordinates: 37°56′N 7°35′W / 37.933°N 7.583°W / 37.933; -7.583
Country  Portugal
Region Alentejo Region
Subregion Baixo Alentejo Subregion
District/A.R. Beja
Government
 • Mayor João Manuel Silva (CDU)
Area
 • Total 1,104.0 km2 (426.3 sq mi)
Population
 • Total 16,178
 • Density 15/km2 (40/sq mi)
Parishes (no.) 7
Municipal holiday Holy Tuesday
date varies
Website http://www.cm-serpa.pt/

Serpa (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈsɛɾpɐ]) is a municipality in Portugal, in Alentejo Region, with a total area of 1104.0 km² and a total population of 16,178 inhabitants. The Guadiana River flows close to the town of Serpa.

The present Mayor is João Manuel Rocha da Silva, elected by the Unitarian Democratic Coalition.

Parishes

The municipality is composed of 7 freguesias (civil parishes):

History

Aqueduct in Serpa

Serpa is of ancient origins and its establishment probably preceded the coming of the Romans to the area. After the Roman occupation, the neighbouring town of Beja (known as Pax Julia to the Romans) became the Roman capital of Pacensis (southern subdivision of Lusitania province) and Serpa was settled by Roman settlers. The archeological remains of a Roman Villa today lie close to Serpa.

The Moors settled in Serpa after their invasion of the Iberian Peninsula and remained until their defeat at the hands of Portuguese forces fighting their way south during the period of 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 and today is still surrounded by thick castle walls. The town castle stands in the middle of town and is partly damaged as a result of the last Spanish invasion.

Owing to its rich past, Serpa offers much in historical interest to visitors, including archeological sites, the town walls, the castle, the aqueduct, the clock tower, the town's museum and numerous interesting old churches.

The area surrounding Serpa consists mostly of wheat farms and wheat has traditionally been the staple of the local economy employing many people. Due to the area's strong agricultural reliance much of the area's people have traditionally been peasants or sheep herders.

After the Portuguese Revolution of 1974 the Portuguese Communist Party gained strong support in the area and its popularity continues to this day.

Today many urban residents of Lisbon, Beja and other cities maintain country homes in Serpa or take weekend breaks to the area as a result of Serpa's rural location and laid back lifestyle.

Serpa is famous for its cheese, a spicy and strong-smelling cheese made in the area and eaten throughout Portugal, although a good one is now hard to find. Other local and regional specialties include Shepherd's Lamb Stew, a Clam and Pork dish and Sweet Potato Pastries. Slightly to the northeast, Pias 38°1′16″N 7°28′39″W / 38.02111°N 7.47750°W / 38.02111; -7.47750 is known for its wine.

The municipal holiday is Holy Tuesday.

Solar Power

Serpa solar power plant

On April 27, 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.[1] The power station was inaugurated on March 28, 2007.[2]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.geenergyfinancialservices.com/press_room/press_releases/prs_2006_0427.pdf
  2. ↑ http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSL2849214220070328

External links

Municipalities of Beja District
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