- Serpa
Infobox Municipality pt
official_name = Serpa
image_coat_of_arms = SRP.png
Region =Alentejo
Subregion =Baixo Alentejo
District = Beja
Mayor_name = João Manuel Silva
Mayor_party = CDU
area_total = 1,104.0
population_total = 16,178
population_density = 15
Parishes = 7
coor = 37º56'N 7º35'W
params = 37_56_N_7_35_W
occasion =Holy Tuesday
day = date varies
website = http://www.cm-serpa.pt/
footnotes =Serpa (pron. IPA2|'sɛɾpɐ) is a municipality in
Portugal , inAlentejo region, with a total area of 1104.0km² and a total population of 16,178 inhabitants. TheGuadiana River flows close to the town of Serpa.The present Mayor is João Manuel Rocha da Silva, elected by the
Unitarian Democratic Coalition and the President of the Municipal Assembly is José Jacinto Sargento Valente, also elected by the Unitarian Democratic Coalition.Parishes
The municipality is composed of 7 civil parishes:
*
Brinches
*Pias
*Serpa, (Salvador)
*Serpa, (Santa Maria)
*Vale de Vargo
*Vila Nova de São Bento
*Vila Verde de Ficalho History
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 Southern 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 theIberian Peninsula and remained until their defeat at the hands of Portuguese forces fighting their way south during the period of theReconquista (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 thePortuguese 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 coord |38|1|16|N|7|28|39|W| is known for its wine.The municipal holiday is
Holy Tuesday .olar Power
On April 27, 2006,
GE Energy Financial Services,PowerLight Corporation and Catavento Lda announced that they would build the world’s largest solar photovoltaic power project. The 11-megawatt solar power plant, comprising 52,000 photovoltaic modules, would be built at a single site inSerpa , in one of Europe’s sunniest areas [http://www.geenergyfinancialservices.com/press_room/press_releases/prs_2006_0427.pdf] . The power station was inaugurated on March 28, 2007 [http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSL2849214220070328] .References
External links
* [http://www.cm-serpa.pt Municipality official website]
* [http://www.rt-planiciedourada.pt/ Planicie Dourada Tourist Region]* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/vitor107/sets/72057594112382898/ Photos from Serpa]
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