[3] On 1281, King D. Alfonso X of Castile delimited the municipality, attributing a Foral (charter) to the town, from Seville, in order to encourage settlement and expansion.

[3] During the 17th century, the walls and system of bastions were adapted to serve as a defensive line by Nicolau de Langres (1665).

[3] Following the Carnation Revolution (in 1974), the Portuguese Communist Party gained strong support in the area, where it continues to be popular.

[3] Administratively, the municipality is divided into five civil parishes:[4] The area surrounding Serpa consists mostly of farms and cultivated lands of wheat, that have traditionally been the staple of the local economy, employing many people.

announced that they would build one of the world's largest solar photovoltaic power projects at a single site in Serpa.

Local and regional specialties include Shepherd's Lamb Stew, a Clam and Pork dish and Sweet Potato Pastries.