Castle of Serpa
Introduction
Largo dos Santos Próculo e Hilariao brings visitors to the dramatic entrance of the Castle of Serpa. Just before the entrance door, large chunks of the castle walls are standing guard. They are dislodged from the main wall but somehow managed to sit together. A small door provides access to the central courtyard of the castle. As is the case with most castles in the medieval times, a cistern sits in the central courtyard. These cisterns were an important feature of the castles because they provided water during the sieges.
There were few stones items on display in the courtyard of the castle. From the courtyard, a spiral staircase goes up to the castle keep. There are also straight stairs beside the wall and they provide access to the ramparts.
History
This part of Portugal was under Muslim rule for over 400 years. in 1166, the Portuguese forces under the command of King Afonso I conquered Serpa. However, in 1191, the Muslim forces of Almohad retook the city and it’s castle. The region returned to Portuguese rule once more under king Sancho II in 1232. The reconstruction of the old Muslim fortress began in 1295. In 1580, Serpa and its castle fell to the Spanish forces. Later, this castle was neglected in the second half of the 17th century. A powder magazine destroyed one of the towers of the castle after the Spanish withdrawal in 1707.
The wall of the fortress is reinforced by the Keep which is connected with other towers. The castle and its walls are reinforced by turrets and square and semicircular plant towers, topped by merlons prismatic. Towers and defensive walls can be seen which stretch from the castle and around the old town.
Castle walls offer great views over the town and the surrounding areas. This castle suffered many setbacks in the past and as a result it was left in ruins. In 1954, Serpa walls were classified a National Monument and work began on their repairs. The work started in 1977 and after it continued till 1988. The Clock Tower of Serpa is of square plan, was once part of the castle defense system. It has bells at the top and often it is called the bell-tower.
