Beja Things to Do

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Once a moorish castle, its reconstruction was initiated during the reign of D. Alfonso III, and it was finished in the reign of D. Dinis.

The main tower is one of the best examples of the Portuguese military architecture. With three decorated floors, its windows show diverse styles

The church of Santiago Maior, adjacent to the castle became Beja's cathedral in the first half of the 20th century.

Despite the recovering works that took place, it still keeps elements in baroque, mannerist and eclectic styles.

Although the exact date of its foundation is unknown (possibly, the 10th century), the church of St. Amaro was built outside the walls of the city, close to the old gate of Évora, being modified during the 15th and 16th centuries to its actual configuration.

Modest in its whole, with Mudejar windows, it keeps, inside, the richly decorated Visigoth capitals used in the initial construction, making this church an unique example of this period's architecture.

Swimming, horse back riding, boating, bycicling.

One can guess only the size of the area. All of the land around the lakes belongs to this hacienda - resort - hotel area, whatever you name it. It is still under construction. As I learned they will have mini golf, 18 hole golf course, a small airstrip for private air planes etc. I wonder how it will look like in a few years.

In the ancient Roman town of Beja is a Moours castle that is the center piece of the town and can be seen for miles approaching the town. The view from the top is breathtaking as you can see the entire town and its protective walls.

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Originally from the 12Th century, the actual construction dates from the 16Th.

It's a small and heavy building, totally covered with tiles from the 16TH century, with a few paintings.

Attached to the Castle there's a Roman arch.

You have to read to know that it was not part of the castle, and only some respect for history allowed its preservation out of its original context.

Take a visit to the Queen Leonor Museum to see the history of the area from the Moours to the Romans to the present day. You will find many beautiful things here.