The best walks and hikes around Serpa (Santa Maria)

At the aqueduct, as everywhere in Serpa, there are thousand-year-old olive trees.

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.

Azenha da Ordem is a true hidden treasure, a watermill that reserves a pleasant surprise for those who discover it. Situated in a privileged position, here the water flows with surprising power and abundance, creating a vibrant and vital atmosphere. This enchanting place is one of those beautiful, evocative and almost intimate places that Portugal holds. Still little known and little visited, Azenha da Ordem offers an authentic experience, allowing you to enjoy a rare privilege: the uncontaminated beauty and tranquility of a corner of the world where nature and history blend harmoniously.

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.

3-star hotel amidst idyllic tranquility

You can access Pulo do Lobo from either side of the river: from Aldeia da Amendoeira, on the Mértola-Beja road (left bank), or from Serpa, in the village of Vale de Poços, where you'll find signs indicating exactly where to turn right (right bank). Both paths are well signposted, and both have several viewpoints. The best view of the waterfall, however, is undoubtedly from the viewpoint on the right bank. Further ahead, you'll see Pego dos Sáveis, the spot where the water suddenly calms down again, forming a tranquil lake.

It's a few kilometers off-road to get to this parking area.

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.