Beja

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The capital of Baixo Alentejo is home to monuments that tell its past history. Romanization is remembered from arches and arcades and from Villa de Pisões, which has traces from the Roman empire in our territory. The spoils of this "villa" date back to the 1st century a.C.. The Romans called Pax Julia to Beja, for being in this region that peace was established between Julius Caesar and the Lusitanians in the 1st century b.C.. Beja's castle stands out in the landscape, as well as its Torre de Menagem (dungeon). Among the monuments to be visited, are included the cathedral, the church of Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres, the convent of São Francisco, the Igreja da Misericórdia church, as well as the Ermida de Santo Estêvão chapel. One of the best ways to get to know the city to walk through its historical center. Going along its typical streets, with the liveliness of the traditional trade, is one of the multiple options. Passing on Praça da República, the visitor discovers the Passo da Rua do Ancha in the Manueline window. You can taste Alentejo's traditional cuisine in the typical restaurants. Of the main courses are part the roasted lamb, the purslane and gazpacho soups, among others. For dessert the sericaia (cake made with eggs, lemon and cinnamon) and the pão de rala (cake made with almonds, pumpkin jam and lemon) are some examples of the Alentejo sweets. The local museum is home to the history of the region, as well as to valuable works of art that demonstrate the importance of sacred art in the region. The Botanical Museum and the Casa das Artes are also places that deserve a visit. Given the high temperatures, especially in the summer, it's always good to have the green spaces with shade in mind, as the Parque da Cidade city park or flowery Jardim da Praceta António Aleixo, among others.

What to do in Beja

Museu Regional de Beja / Museu Rainha Dona Leonor

Beja

A museum located in the Convent of Our Lady of Conceição, founded in 1459 by the infants Dom Fernando e Dona Brites. A special note to the 17th century Portuguese tiles, the one from Seville of the 16th century and the baroque dome of the Chapter Room.

Castelo de Beja

Beja

The set of the Castle are the keep of the era of d. Dinis, in marble, with semi-detached and a window counter matacães surrounding. Masterpiece of military architecture, the Tower of Beja has great historical-monumental value. Of defensive buildings of Roman origin only the arco da Porta da Vila and the port bow of Évora. The door of Moura is …

Sé Catedral de Beja / Igreja de São Tiago

Beja

16TH century building which retains its structure Church-Hall. The Church is distinguished by large dimensions, by the creation of a unitary space and by the influence of formal solutions taken from tratadística which refer to one of the elaborate creations of Tea Architecture in the South of the country. Inside are some protobarrocos altars and a set of screens of …

Convento da Conceição / Museu Rainha Dona Leonor

Beja

This was the church from the former Claris nuns Convent founded on the 15th century and dedicated to Lady of Conception. By the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century Beja suffered several destructions on its heritage and from the former convent, only the church, the cloister, the Capital room and attached divisions. In the façade …

Centro Histórico de Beja

Beja

In the historic center include the Praça da República, Largo de Santa Maria, Arcos dos Prazeres, White Ridge Street, Rua dos Infantes, Bull Street, Street, Street painters, Rua Manuel de Arriaga, Ancha Street and Rua Abel Van Wyk. Here can be enjoyed numerous monuments of great architectural and heritage value.

Palácio dos Maldonados

Beja

This palace was built in the middle of the XVI century by a local family named Furtado Mendonça. It is still possible to observe the arms of this family over the main door of the building. It presents a renascent …

Núcleo Museológico da Rua do Sembrano

Beja

A set of archaeological vestiges of great importance to the city's history. Here one can find vestiges of the medieval and modern ages, as well as of the roman period and of the iron age.

Portas de Moura

Beja

The Portas de Moura were rebuilt in 1867, being then devoted to João Baptista. On the upper part of the arch is a passage, decorated with a characteristic narrow balcony.

Pax Julia - Teatro Municipal de Beja

Beja

The Municipal Theatre - Pax Julia has the biggest playhouse of the south of Portugal. Besides music, theatre and dance shows, it is the stage of the most varied activities: cinema, conferences, congresses, exhibitions, literary assemblies, café-concert, etc. It offers …

Villa Romana de Pisões

Beja

In the Roman “Villa” of Pisões it is possible to find the heritage left by the Romans living here in I d.C, with traces from the numerous square divisions with different dimensions around the atrium (central courtyard surrounded by columns). …

Parque da Cidade de Beja

Beja

Recent leisure space with gardens (water, smells and colours), a central lake, infra-structures for a restaurant, news stand and esplanade, a space called canídromo, playground and a small skate park.

Arcadas da Praça da República

Beja

Manueline arcades at the Praça da República.

Convento de São Francisco / Pousada de Beja

Beja

Located outside the Walls, next to the ancient way that connected Beja to Mértola, it was founded in the XIII century. It suffered some changes, mainly during the XVIII century that gave it the present look. The Capela do Túmulos, …

Ermida de Santo André

Beja

According to tradition this chapel was founded by King Sancho I in commemoration of Beja from the Moors in 1162, ogival reconstruction, however dates from the 15th century. The narthex, the conical spires and battlements.

Arco Romano de Beja

Beja

Possibly built between the 1st and 4th century, this bow is dwelling by two towers and is integrated into the medieval castle, outside the Citadel.

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Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

Blessed Rest: Sleeping in Old Convents

Sleeping in old convents is a unique experience, ideal for those looking to retemper energies. Come and discover these …

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Where to eat in Beja

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Where to sleep in Beja

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova - Country House & Spa
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova - Country House & Spa

5 star

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova Country House Spa is a vast & Homestead, near Albernoa, with houses typically Alentejo and people of sympathy without equal. At the …

Pousada Convento de Beja
Pousada Convento de Beja

Historic inn

Situated in the historic city centre, this former Franciscan convent from the 13th century, offers 34 rooms and one suite, with classic décor and cosy atmosphe…

Herdade dos Grous
Herdade dos Grous

A rustic space with elaborated decoration with 10 cosy rooms and offering the practice of some sports.

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Near Beja

Almodôvar

Almodôvar

The municipality of Almodôvar is located in the Baixo Alentejo, Beja district, between the Serra do Caldeirão and the Alentejo lowland. The Igre…

Alvito

Alvito

Alvito and Vila Nova da Baronia are the two parishes that make up the Alvito municipality, one of the smallest in Baixo Alentejo. Of a markedly rural…

Ourique

Ourique

Ourique has benefited from a privileged location over the centuries. Confined to the north with the municipality of Aljustrel and to the south with S…

Vidigueira

Vidigueira

The Vidigueira municipality is located between Beja and Évora and is the fourth smallest in Baixo Alentejo. In addition to an interesting architectur…