Monuments

Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Guadalupe or São Gens
The cult of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe was introduced in the region in the sixth century by the Archbishop of Seville, São Leandro, who brought a statue from Rome. Popular devotion dates back to the 14th century, in particular in Serpa, and is one of the oldest religious traditions in the city.

The chapel dedicated to the saint, who is also the patron saint of the municipality, was built in the 16th century on the hilltop of São Gens (or Altinho, as the locale is also known), around 2 km from Serpa.

The chapel had a simple architectural structure and exhibits a Gothic-mudejar style. On the exterior, there is an azulejo panel alluding to the Sacred Heart of Mary. Inside the chapel, the carved woodwork altarpiece houses a 15th century statue of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe.

Every year, on Easter Sunday, there is a popular pilgrimage. The statue is carried to the town, where it remains during the two days of the festivities in honour of the patron saint. It returns to the chapel, after passing through the streets of Serpa in a procession that also includes statues of all the other local saints.