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Coordinates: 37°56′N 7°35′W / 37.933°N 7.583°W / 37.933; -7.583
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| website = http://www.cm-serpa.pt/
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'''Serpa''' ({{IPA-pt|ˈsɛɾpɐ}}) is a city and a [[List of municipalities of Portugal|municipality]] in Portugal, in [[Alentejo Region]]. The population in 2011 was 15,623,<ref>[http://www.ine.pt/xportal/xmain?xlang=en&xpid=INE&xpgid=ine_indicadores&indOcorrCod=0005889&contexto=pi&selTab=tab0 Instituto Nacional de Estatística]</ref> in an area of 1105.63&nbsp;km².<ref name=dgt>[http://www.dgterritorio.pt/ficheiros/cadastro/caop/caop_download/caop_2014_0/areasfregmundistcaop2014_2 Direção-Geral do Território]</ref> The [[Guadiana River]] flows close to the town of Serpa.
'''Serpa''' ({{IPA-pt|ˈsɛɾpɐ}}) is a city and a [[Concelho|municipality]] in the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] [[Alentejo Region|Alentejo]]. The population in 2011 was 15,623,<ref>[http://www.ine.pt/xportal/xmain?xlang=en&xpid=INE&xpgid=ine_indicadores&indOcorrCod=0005889&contexto=pi&selTab=tab0 Instituto Nacional de Estatística]</ref> in an area of {{convert|1105.63|km2|mi2}}.<ref name=dgt>[http://www.dgterritorio.pt/ficheiros/cadastro/caop/caop_download/caop_2014_0/areasfregmundistcaop2014_2 Direção-Geral do Território]</ref> The [[Guadiana River]] flows close to the town of Serpa.

== Civil Parishes ==
⚫
Administratively, the municipality is divided into 5 civil parishes (''[[freguesia (Portugal)|freguesias]]''):<ref>{{cite web|title=Law nr. 11-A/2013, page 552 113|url=http://dre.pt/pdf1sdip/2013/01/01901/0000200147.pdf |accessdate=30 July 2014|author=''[[Diário da República]]''|language=Portuguese|format=pdf}}</ref>
⚫
* Brinches
⚫
* Pias
⚫
* Serpa (Salvador e Santa Maria) itself
⚫
* [[Vila Nova de São Bento e Vale de Vargo]]
⚫
* Vila Verde de Ficalho


== History ==
== History ==
[[Image:Aqueduct in Serpa.JPG|200px|left|thumb|Aqueduct in Serpa]]
[[File:Aqueduct in Serpa.JPG|235px|left|thumb|Aqueduct in Serpa]]
⚫
[[File:Castelo de Serpa 1.JPG|thumb|left|235px|Castle of 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 (Portugal)|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.
Serpa has its origins in early settlement that preceded the Roman occupation of the Iberian peninsula. The neighbouring town of [[Beja (Portugal)|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.


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 [[Iberian Peninsula|Iberia]]).
[[Moors]]ish settlement followed this period, and remained until the [[Reconquista]] (the Christian re-conquest of [[Iberian Peninsula|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 River|Guadiana]], it was occupied by forces loyal to Castile.<ref name="SIPA">{{citation |url=http://www.monumentos.pt/Site/APP_PagesUser/SIPA.aspx?id=5859 |title=Núcleo urbano da cidade de Serpa/Núcleo intramuros de Serpa (IPA.00005859/PT040213050023) |publisher=SIPA – Sistema de Informação para o Património Arquitectónico |editor=SIPA |location=Lisbon, Portugal |language=Portuguese |first=Anouk |last=Costa |first2=Cláudia |last2=Morgado |first3=Rita |last3=Vale |year=2009 |accessdate=27 May 2017}}</ref>
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.


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.<ref name=SIPA/>
⚫
[[File:Castelo de Serpa 1.JPG|thumb|left|290px|Castle of Serpa]]
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.


Following the Reconquista, in 1295, Serpa received a new foral from Portuguese King D. [[Denis of Portugal|Dinis]].<ref name=SIPA/> The local keep that dominated Serpa was partly damaged as a result of the last Spanish invasion. At that time, the king ordered the re-construction of the castle, as well as the erection of a wall fortification.<ref name=SIPA/>
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.


A new foral was issued in 1513, by King D. [[Manuel I of Portugal|Manuel I]], who was the former-Master of Serpa.<ref name=SIPA/>
⚫
After the [[Portuguese Revolution of 1974]] the [[Portuguese Communist Party]] gained strong support in the area and its popularity continues to this day.
During the 17th century, the walls and system of bastions were adapted to serve as a defensive line by Nicolau de Langres (1665).<ref name=SIPA/>
On 30 January 1954, the walls of Serpa were classified as a ''Monumento Nacional'' (''National Monument'').<ref name=SIPA/>


⚫
Following the [[Carnation Revolution]] (in 1974), the [[Portuguese Communist Party]] gained strong support in the area, where it continues to be a popular.
⚫
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.


On 26 August 2003, the town of Serpa was elevated to status of city.<ref name=SIPA/> Meanwhile, on 28 January 2013, the historic centre of Serpa (that included the principal civil parishes) of São Salvador and Santa Maria, was re-incorporated into a single civil parish (Decree 11-A/2013, Diário da República, Série 1, 19).<ref name=SIPA/>
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.


== Geography ==
The municipal holiday is [[Holy Tuesday]].
⚫
Administratively, the municipality is divided into five [[Freguesia (Portugal)|civil parishes]]:<ref>{{citation |title=Law 11-A/2013 |pages=552-113 |url=http://dre.pt/pdf1sdip/2013/01/01901/0000200147.pdf |accessdate=30 July 2014 |publisher=Diário da República |language=Portuguese |format=pdf}}</ref>
⚫
* Brinches
⚫
* Pias
⚫
* Serpa (Salvador e Santa Maria)
⚫
* [[Vila Nova de São Bento e Vale de Vargo]]
⚫
* Vila Verde de Ficalho

== Economy ==
⚫
[[File:SolarPowerPlantSerpa.jpg|200px|right|thumb|[[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 [[cheese]]s, 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 [[List of photovoltaic power stations#World's largest photovoltaic power stations|world’s largest solar photovoltaic power projects]] at a [[Serpa solar power plant|single site in Serpa]]. The 11-megawatt [[Photovoltaic power station|solar power station]], comprising 52,000 photovoltaic modules, would be built in one of Europe’s sunniest areas.<ref name="Reuters">{{citation |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSL2849214220070328 |title=Major solar power plant opens in Portugal's south |date=28 March 2017 |publisher=Reuters}}</ref> The power station was inaugurated on 28 March 2007.<ref name=Reuters/>


== Solar Power ==
==Culture==
⚫
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.
⚫
[[Image:SolarPowerPlantSerpa.jpg|200px|right|thumb|[[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 [[List of photovoltaic power stations#World's largest photovoltaic power stations|world’s largest solar photovoltaic power projects]] at a [[Serpa solar power plant|single site in Serpa]]. The 11-megawatt [[Photovoltaic power station|solar power station]], comprising 52,000 photovoltaic modules, would be built in one of Europe’s sunniest areas.<ref>http://www.geenergyfinancialservices.com/press_room/press_releases/prs_2006_0427.pdf</ref> The power station was inaugurated on March 28, 2007.<ref>http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSL2849214220070328</ref>


Other local and regional specialties include Shepherd's Lamb Stew, a Clam and Pork dish and Sweet Potato Pastries.
== Other uses ==
* historical name of [[Itacoatiara, Amazonas‎]] in Brazil


== References ==
== References ==
===Notes===
<references/>
{{Reflist|30em}}
===Sources===
* {{citation |last=Costa |first=Carvalho da |title=Corografia Portuguesa |edition=Tomo II |pages=474 |location=Lisbon, Portugal |language=Portuguese |year=1706}}
* {{citation |last=Langres |first=Nicolau de |title=Desenhos e Plantas de todas as Praças do reyno de Portugal |location=1661 |edition=BN Códice 7445 |language=Portuguese}}
* {{citation |last=Matos |first=Gastão de Melo de |title=Nicolau de Langres e a sua Portugal (Monografia) |location=Lisbon, Portugal |year=1941 |language=Portuguese}}
* {{citation|last=Armas |first=Duarte de |title=Livro das Fortalezas |location=Lisbon, Portugal |publisher=INAPA |year=1990 |language=Portuguese}}


== Sources and external links ==
== External links ==
{{commons cat|Serpa}}
{{commons cat|Serpa}}
*[http://www.cm-serpa.pt Municipality official website]
* [http://www.museudorelogio.com Watch & Clock Museum]
*[http://www.museudorelogio.com Watch & Clock Museum]
*[http://www.rt-planiciedourada.pt/ Planicie Dourada Tourist Region]
*[http://www.rt-planiciedourada.pt/ Planicie Dourada Tourist Region]
*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/vitor107/sets/72057594112382898/ Photos from Serpa]
* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/vitor107/sets/72057594112382898/ Photos from Serpa]
*[http://www.srp160.com SRP160 - MTB Ultramarathon Serpa 160]


{{Municipalities of Beja}}
{{Municipalities of Beja}}


[[Category:Municipalities of Portugal]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Portugal]]
⚫
[[Category:Municipalities of Beja District]]
[[Category:Populated places in Beja District]]
[[Category:Populated places in Beja District]]
[[Category:Serpa| ]]
[[Category:Serpa| ]]
⚫
[[Category:Municipalities of Beja District]]

Revision as of 08:54, 27 May 2017

Serpa
Settlement
Flag of Serpa
Flag
Coat of arms of Serpa
Coat of arms
Coordinates: 37°56′N 7°35′W / 37.933°N 7.583°W / 37.933; -7.583
Country Portugal
RegionAlentejo
Intermunic. comm.Baixo Alentejo
DistrictBeja
Area
 • Total
1,105.63 km2 (426.89 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total
15,623
 • Density14/km2 (37/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+00:00 (WET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+01:00 (WEST)
Websitehttp://www.cm-serpa.pt/

Serpa (Template:IPA-pt) is a city and a municipality in the Portuguese Alentejo. The population in 2011 was 15,623,[1] in an area of 1,105.63 square kilometres (426.89 sq mi).[2] The Guadiana River flows close to the town of Serpa.

History

Aqueduct in Serpa
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.

Moorsish 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.[3]

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.[3]

Following the Reconquista, in 1295, Serpa received a new foral from Portuguese King D. Dinis.[3] The local keep that dominated Serpa was partly damaged as a result of the last Spanish invasion. At that time, the king ordered the re-construction of the castle, as well as the erection of a wall fortification.[3]

A new foral was issued in 1513, by King D. Manuel I, who was the former-Master of Serpa.[3]

During the 17th century, the walls and system of bastions were adapted to serve as a defensive line by Nicolau de Langres (1665).[3]

On 30 January 1954, the walls of Serpa were classified as a Monumento Nacional (National Monument).[3]

Following the Carnation Revolution (in 1974), the Portuguese Communist Party gained strong support in the area, where it continues to be a popular.

On 26 August 2003, the town of Serpa was elevated to status of city.[3] Meanwhile, on 28 January 2013, the historic centre of Serpa (that included the principal civil parishes) of São Salvador and Santa Maria, was re-incorporated into a single civil parish (Decree 11-A/2013, Diário da República, Série 1, 19).[3]

Geography

Administratively, the municipality is divided into five civil parishes:[4]

Economy

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.[5] The power station was inaugurated on 28 March 2007.[5]

Culture

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.

Other local and regional specialties include Shepherd's Lamb Stew, a Clam and Pork dish and Sweet Potato Pastries.

References

Notes

  1. ^ Instituto Nacional de Estatística
  2. ^ Direção-Geral do Território
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Costa, Anouk; Morgado, Cláudia; Vale, Rita (2009), SIPA (ed.), Núcleo urbano da cidade de Serpa/Núcleo intramuros de Serpa (IPA.00005859/PT040213050023) (in Portuguese), Lisbon, Portugal: SIPA – Sistema de Informação para o Património Arquitectónico, retrieved 27 May 2017
  4. ^ Law 11-A/2013 (pdf) (in Portuguese), Diário da República, pp. 552–113, retrieved 30 July 2014
  5. ^ a b Major solar power plant opens in Portugal's south, Reuters, 28 March 2017

Sources

  • Costa, Carvalho da (1706), Corografia Portuguesa (in Portuguese) (Tomo II ed.), Lisbon, Portugal, p. 474
  • Langres, Nicolau de, Desenhos e Plantas de todas as Praças do reyno de Portugal (in Portuguese) (BN Códice 7445 ed.), 1661{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  • Matos, Gastão de Melo de (1941), Nicolau de Langres e a sua Portugal (Monografia) (in Portuguese), Lisbon, Portugal{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Armas, Duarte de (1990), Livro das Fortalezas (in Portuguese), Lisbon, Portugal: INAPA
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