Chapel of our Lady of Guadalupe Serpa
Tower
Just outside Serpa lies the Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe (Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe). At a mere distance of 2 kilometers from Serpa town, this church sits on a small hill surrounded by olive trees. From the top of mountain São Gêns and offers amazing panoramic views over the surrounding landscape.
The design of this church is simple and modest, built in Mudejar style, devoid of architectural treasures or decorative riches. The unusual thing about this church is it’s tower. which gives an impression that it could be a minaret of a former mosque.
Main Building
There were no information about the building and it seemed bit like off the beaten track. After some digging, it turned out that church was built in the 15th century, during the reign of King Afonso. A small porch built over the door which provides access to the inner hall of the church. The farm overlooking the Hermitage was one of the Infante Dom Henrique landings during the Algarve self-exile that marked the final phase of his life. The building itself was locked and there was a house, next to the church. I knocked at the door but didn’t get any response.
