The Aqueduct of Serpa is an unusual example of Portuguese engineering, as it was a private undertaking. It was built in the late 17th century to supply water to the Manor House of the Counts of Ficalho, located along one of the stretches of Serpa’s town walls.
The most interesting section of the structure stands near the Porta de Beja, where the aqueduct is supported by arches constructed directly over the defensive walls. At the end of the aqueduct, there is a Moorish waterwheel (nora), leaning against the wall and serving as a buttress to the structure itself.