Serpa (pronunciation) is a city and a municipality of the Portugal belonging to the District of Beja.

The Guadiana crosses the town of Serpa.

History

The area was probably occupied as of before the occupation romaine.
A Roman villa was recently updated.
After the reconquest, the proximity of Serpa with the Spanish border in made a defensive fortified town. The castle is damaged today following the last Spanish invasion.

Administration

The current mayor is João Manuel Rocha da Silva (CDU).

Demography

Subdivisions

The municipality of Serpa group 7 parishes (Freguesia, in Portuguese):

• Brinches
• Pias
• Serpa El Salvador
• Serpa Santa Maria
• Vale de Vargo
• Villa Nova de São Bento
• Villa Verde de Ficalho.

Economy

The traditional economy is based on the breeding of sheep. Serpa is famous also for its cheese.

Industry

The April 27th 2006, General Electric Energy Financial Services , PowerLight Corporation and Catavento Lda announced the construction of the greatest photovoltaic structure in the world. The project should allow the production of 11 Megawatt starting from 52.000 plates of photovoltaic cells. The power station was inaugurated the March 28th 2007.

Internal bonds

• Official site of the commune
• Photographs of the town of Serpa

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