wheat, that have traditionally been the staple of the local economy, employing many people. Due to the area's strong agricultural reliance, the local population has traditionally been agrarian farmers and sheepherders. This has also resulted in the production of its spicy and strong-smelling cheeses, produced in the area and commercialized throughout Portugal. Slightly to the northeast, in the region of Pias, the area cultivates vineyards in order to produce local wines. On 27 April 2006, GE Energy Financial Services, PowerLight Corporation and Catavento Lda. announced that they would build one of the world's largest solar photovoltaic power projects at a single site in Serpa. The 11-megawatt solar power station, comprising 52,000 photovoltaic modules, would be built in one of Europe's sunniest areas. The power station was inaugurated on 28 March 2007. Culture Urban residents of Lisbon, Beja and other cities maintain country homes in Serpa, or take weekend breaks to the area as a result of Serpa's rural location and laid back lifestyle. Local and regional specialties include Shepherd's Lamb Stew, a Clam and Pork dish and Sweet Potato Pastries. Notable people Jorge de Melo (1460-1534) a nobleman, member of the Court of John III of Portugal Vasco Fernandes Coutinho (1490–1561) a fidalgo and the first donatary of the Captaincy of Espírito Santo in Brazil Estêvão de Brito (c.1570–1641) a composer of polyphony José Correia da Serra (1750–1823) an abbot, polymath, philosopher, diplomat, politician and scientist Etelvina Lopes de Almeida (1916-2004) a writer, journalist, broadcaster and politician Nicolau Breyner (1940–2016) a playwright, director and actor. Filipe La Féria (born 1945) a director, producer and screenwriter for TV and theatre. Luísa Basto (born 1947) a political singer Nelo Vingada (born 1953) a football manager References Sources and external links Watch & Clock Museum Planicie Dourada Tourist Region Photos from Serpa Municipalities of Beja District Populated places in Beja District