On the Baixo Alentejo plain, two castles changed hands several times between Portuguese, Spanish and Muslims, which shows that the country’s early days were very difficult to consolidate.
In Serpa, the fortress was conquered by Geraldo Sem Pavor, but changed ownership several times until D. Dinis guaranteed the integration of the town into Portuguese territory, at the end of the 13th century. Today, the walls and historical remains continue to mark the landscape, despite the degradation caused by time.
Serpa Castle bears signs of different eras, from the old keep partially destroyed in the 18th century to the 17th century aqueduct that crosses one of the walls’ gates.
Already in Beja, the imposing keep built by D. Dinis, the tallest in Portugal, is almost 40 meters high. Inside there are three floors and an interpretive route, which tells the very ancient history of Beja to visitors.
