The best cycling routes around Serpa (Santa Maria)

The Serpa Aqueduct is a well-preserved gem that speaks to the strategic importance of this town and its role throughout history. If you're passing through here, I recommend paying it a visit.

This aqueduct is a remarkable example of ancient hydraulic engineering, designed to transport water from external sources to the city centre.Originally built in Roman times and then extensively modified and expanded in subsequent centuries, particularly during the medieval and modern periods, the aqueduct features a series of sturdy arches that crisscross the landscape.

This aqueduct is a remarkable example of ancient hydraulic engineering, designed to transport water from external sources to the city centre. Originally built in Roman times and then extensively modified and expanded in subsequent centuries, particularly during the medieval and modern periods, the aqueduct features a series of sturdy arches that crisscross the landscape.

In the Guadiana Valley Natural Park, the main protagonist is, of course, the river that gives it its name. The fourth largest in the Iberian Peninsula, the Guadiana rises in Spain, crosses the south of Portugal from east to west to Badajoz and then flows down towards the Atlantic. Within the park, the river displays all its wild beauty: winding, serene and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

The Serpa Aqueduct is an unusual piece of Portuguese engineering due to the fact that it was a private undertaking. It was built at the end of the 17th century to serve the Manor of the Counts of Ficalho, which is located in one of the sections of the Serpa wall. The most interesting part of the structure is located next to the Porta de Beja, where the aqueduct is supported by arches built into the wall. At the end of the aqueduct we find a Moorish waterwheel, leaning against the wall and serving as a buttress to the aqueduct itself.

In the 12th century, this huge aqueduct was built to share water with the population. To this date, it has been maintained and it has became one of Serpa's landmark, very well illuminated at night. You can see the aqueduct when you are a few km away from the city, and the view is breathtaking when you are close to it. Please note that right next to the walls and aqueduct, you can find Olive trees that are 1000-year old ! A must see, a must-take-a-picture, and must relax in the cozy green benches that are just in front of the aqueduct - Especially in hot sunny days.

In 1281, when Serpa and all the lands on the Left Bank of the Guadiana were still under Castilian rule, Alfonso X established the demarcation of the municipality, so that it could be better populated, and granted it its first charter, that of Seville. After a century of military and diplomatic adventures, with the Christian Reconquest of the Alentejo, Serpa received a new charter from King Dinis in 1295.

Magnificent historical center. The Serpa Aqueduct is an unusual work of Portuguese engineering due to its private nature. It was built at the end of the 17th century to serve the Solar dos Condes de Ficalho, located on one of the sections of the Serpa city walls. The most interesting part of the structure is located next to the Beja Gate, where the aqueduct is supported by arches built on the wall. At the end of the aqueduct, there is a Moorish waterwheel, leaning against the wall and serving as a buttress for the aqueduct itself. (Source: roteirodoalqueva.com)