Beja, Beja Hotels, Beja Alentejo

If you are planning a Portugal holiday and are looking for a Beja hotel or apartment, the following information may help by giving you an overview on the resort of Beja.

Once named Pax-Julia by Julius Caesar, the hill city of Beja is the traditional capital of the Baixo Alentejo agricultural region in Portugal’s deep south. The place was fought over and occupied frequently. It fell under Muslim rule in the 8th century and was not finally regained by the Christians until the 13th century, by which time it had been virtually destroyed by constant conflict. Further strife followed in the 17th century and in the early 1800s during the Peninsular War.

All this considered, it’s not surprising that Beja is dominated by an impressive 13th century castle that replaced fortifications previously erected by the Moors and Romans. The central keep is the highest in Portugal, at 40m (130ft). Climb the 197 spiral steps for a sensational view of the town and rolling tree-dotted plains beyond. One of Portugal’s few remaining pre-Romanesque churches – the whitewashed St. Amaro’s - stands next to the castle.

The beauty of Beja is in its undoubted sense of history, reinforced by the fact that it hasn’t spread unchecked but remains an unspoiled and original place. Moorish architecture is visible everywhere in the cobbled streets. The city’s cultural gem is the regional Museum da Rainha D Leonor. This is a national monument full of treasures, located in a former convent dating back to the 15th century, an impressive building topped with intricate Gothic lattice-work. A bell tower and spire complete the romantic picture. This was the home of Mariana Alcoforado, a 17th century nun who fell in love with a dashing French officer and wrote him five passionate love letters that were later published in France to wide acclaim. Some say they were lovers, others that she saw him but once from a window.

Beja Temperature Chart :

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temp °C	12	13	14	15	18	21	22	23	22	19	15	12

Average daily temperature °C

Serving Airports:
Lisbon [LIS]
Flight time from the UK: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes and then a further 180km from the airport.

Shopping in Beja:
Beja is known for handcrafts, including charming hammered copper, in the form of serving dishes and home accessories, as well as the many forms of pottery and woodcarvings you might see in other parts of Ribatejo and Alentejo. Rua Capital Joao Francisco de Sousa, in the town centre, is lined with all manner of shops.

---

Telephone us, send an enquiry, or search online for discount Beja hotels in Portugal

Disclaimer:
By its very nature much of the information in our destination guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they are relying with the relevant authorities. Corona Holidays [UK] Limited cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

Loading special offers... Please wait.

It can take up to 30 seconds to load the offers.