Castelo
Largo de Santa Maria
Castelo
According to the basic rules of military defense, the Castle of Serpa was built at the highest point of the town.
Archaeological vestiges confirm the existence of a Moorish fortress here, but the castle that can now be admired was erected in the 13th century by king Sancho I and king Dinis, at the same time as the town´s fortifications.
The entrance to the square-shaped castle is now done by a sort of arch, resulting from the fall of several parts of the fortress walls that manage to hold together.
At the middle of a vast open space, the well still preserves its Medieval characteristics.
Tall flights of stairs lead to a view-pont that was once essential to observe the enemy´s movements.
At this ancient fortress, the visitor is agreably surprised by the well-kept
Archaeological Museum of Serpa.