The best MTB trails around Vila Nova de São Bento e Vale de Vargo

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.

Pretty town near the Portugal-Spain border at the foot of the Ficalho hill that gives the town its name. It can be reached from Rosal de al Frontera (SP) by a picturesque road through the hill that crosses the border.

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.

The Azenha, watermill, is a characteristic element of the Portuguese rural landscape, deeply linked to local history and traditions. These ancient buildings were powered by the force of watercourses, here the Rio Guardiana, and used mainly to grind cereals such as wheat and corn.

This church, built in the 18th century, stands out for its Baroque architecture and impressive bell tower. Inside, you'll find carved wooden altarpieces and frescoes that create an atmosphere of peace and contemplation. In addition to its religious significance, the church is also a center for community and cultural activities. Various religious events and festivals are held here, such as processions and solemn masses in honor of San Isidro Labrador.

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.

In the 12th century, this huge aqueduct was built to share water with the population. To this date, it has been maintained and it has became one of Serpa's landmark, very well illuminated at night. You can see the aqueduct when you are a few km away from the city, and the view is breathtaking when you are close to it. Please note that right next to the walls and aqueduct, you can find Olive trees that are 1000-year old ! A must see, a must-take-a-picture, and must relax in the cozy green benches that are just in front of the aqueduct - Especially in hot sunny days.

Vila Verde Ficalho has history. It is a village located in the easternmost part of the municipality of Serpa, bordering the Spanish town of Rosal de la Frontera and belonging to the territory known as the Left Bank of the Guadiana. Our people have ancient traditions and historical records that extol them. All the landscape, historical and cultural settings make this border village very special, both for its inhabitants and visitors. Its area measures approximately 10,402,3909 hectares, and the town is flanked by the Ficalho mountain range, which is approximately 518 metres high. Throughout our region, you can see mountains, valleys, hills, dotted with trees, wells and springs. All the archaeological heritage found here reveals bits and pieces of the passage of various peoples through our land, from the Paleolithic era, when man was still a gatherer, to the Neolithic era (3500 BC), to the Visigoths, the Romans (where the city of Finis possibly existed), and the Arab people who left us several customs. The exact date of the founding of our town as a historical place is unknown; hypothetically, it was in the 1940s, in the 13th century, at the end of the reign of D. Sancho II and the beginning of the reign of D. Afonso III. Our people are mainly dedicated to agriculture, although artisanal agriculture is still being seen, new technologies are beginning to be used. There has been a significant decrease in commercial activity, many establishments have been closing and we no longer see, as we once did, clusters of Spanish people. It is worth noting that tourism is likely to increase in this area; in recent months, some have appeared in our town. tourists who have shown a fondness for this small village with an aging population.