Opposite the castle in the Largo do Lidador square lies the Cathedral or Sé of Beja. Its mundane Mannerist façade betrays the splendour that awaits you inside. It was commissioned by Archbishop Teotónio de Bragança and designed by Jorge Rodrigues. Constructed was completed in 1590. Within the ornately decorated interior, you can find a gold guilted retable in the main chapel carved by master Manuel João da Fonseca in 1696-97.

Here too, you will discover an altar painting of St. Joseph by André Reinoso. There is a wonderful set of 18th-century azulejos found in the chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Conception. Following its elevation to Cathedral status in the 1930s, it underwent a series of restorations, including the main façade and the transplanting of several pieces of sacred art from disused convents in Lisbon.

Rua Dr. Aresta Branco 7, 7800-266 Beja, Portugal | 38° 1' 01.2" N | 07° 51' 52.2" W
+351 284 323 159

Dominating the skyline for miles around is the castle's distinctive crenellated keep (Torre de Menagem), a great landmark to head straight to and get your bearings. This impressive donjon was constructed in 1310 under the order of King Dom Dinis and is made entirely out of granite and marble. At 40 metres tall, it's believed to be the tallest in the Iberian Peninsula. 198 steps will lead you to the top. Perched on its vantage point the views from the top are breathtaking. The tower and the surrounding ramparts stand on top of the remains of a Roman fortress or Castellum. After a sustained period of fighting between the Moors and the combined Christian armies of Portugal and Castile, the structure required major rebuilding.

The walls surrounding the keep and its four corner turrets still contain remnants of the Roman fort. The Portas de Évora gate on the castle's eastern flank contains a Roman arch consisting of large voussoirs and a face carved into the vertex block. It's believed to have been built between the 3rd and the 4th centuries. The flagstones that run under the Arco Romano was once part of a Roman path. The square in front of the castle is named after Gonçalo Mendes da Maia or O Lidador, a brave knight who died during the battle against the Moors in 1170. Also found within the castle walls is a Tourism Office that also houses an exhibition room. The castle is open during the day, every day, and admission is free.

This impressive 15th-century building maintains many Manueline embellishments, such as its elaborate portals, window surrounds along with balustrades and pinnacles at roof level. The convent was founded in the latter half of the 15th Century under the wishes of Infantes Dom Fernando, the first Duke of Beja, and his wife, Dona Beatriz, who later became the parents of Queen Dona Leonor and the future King Dom Manuel I. The interior is marvellously ornate such as the highly gilded Rococo chapel which is embellished with flying cherubs. The cloisters are richly adorned with sixteenth and seventeenth-century azulejo tiles and are considered some of Portugal's finest.

Following the dissolution of the monasteries in Portugal, all religious buildings were nationalised in 1834. Today, however, it is the perfect location for the regional museum. Besides the room displaying the coats of arms, the present building also features the painting rooms, which house the museum’s painting collection, which spans a period between the 15th and 18th Centuries. On the first floor is the Fernando Nunes Ribeiro's archaeological exhibition containing treasures from the Roman, Visigoth, Arab, and Medieval epochs.

Tuesday – Sunday: 09h30 – 12h30/14h00 – 17h15, Monday: CLOSED
Adult: €2.00, Concessionary: €1.00
Largo da Conceição 7800–131 Beja, Portugal. | 38º 00’ 50.8" N | 07º 51’ 49.2" W
+351 284 323 351 | geral@museuregionaldebeja.net | Website

Local tradition states that this hermitage dedicated to Saint Andrew (Santo André) was founded by King Sancho I to commemorate the taking of Beja from the moors in 1162. It is located on the road to Lisbon a few minutes north-west from the very centre of town. Its Gothic-Mudejar styled exterior dates from the 15th century and now is a National Monument. The hermitage sports a distinctive red-tiled narthex, whitewashed walls and a bell tower. The cone top spires and battlements look a little military in nature. It is believed they commemorate the taking of Beja from the Moors in 1162.

Rua de Lisboa 74, 7800-292 Beja, Portugal.
37° 59' 51.18" N | 07° 56' 55.9" W

The city of Beja lies South of Alentejo's demarcated sub-region of Vidigueira, most famed for its production of high-quality wines. This southern province is hotter and drier than the more traditional wine-producing regions. Over the last few decades, this area has attracted a new breed of winemakers eager to answer nature's challenge.

Casa de Santa Vitória

With a total of 1620 ha, this is an environment that is unique within all of Portugal, with a recreational infrastructure ideal for enjoying the best the Alentejo has to offer. Here you can follow the production process, visit the vineyards and winery. Taste wines while enjoying a unique lifestyle in an environment that is relaxed, dynamic and in touch with nature.

This active wine tourism, suitable for the whole family, is supplemented by other country leisure activities available provided by the Vila Galé Country Club Rural Hotel, located 150 metres from the winery.

Monday – Saturday: 11h30 & 16h00, Sunday: 11h30
Casa de Santa Vitória Sociedade Agro-Industrial, SA, Herdade da Malhada 7800 - 730 Santa Vitória, Portugal.
37° 53' 45.3" N | 08° 01' 39.2" W | +351 284 970 170
info@santavitoria.pt | Website

Herdade da Mingorra

A few Kilometres out of Beja, there are vineyards with decades of history. Henrique Uva has preserved some of these, which he has been developing and making profitable, as an independent producer. In 2004, his dream has come true with the project named Henrique Uva / Herdade da Mingorra. The wine cellar is properly fitted in 1.400 ha of scenery that becomes exuberant in its diversity of flora and fauna, with several hydrological basins that look like an authentic oasis. It is a place where modernity and functionality coexist in an indelible way with the most traditional techniques.

At Herdade da Mingorra you can do wine tasting, have lunch, visit the winery, and so much more. Come and see how the winery works during harvest, and taste some of the wines still in barrels. Make a visit to the vineyard, and learn how to identify a grape variety, just by looking at the leaves!

Monday - Saturday: 11h00, 12h00, 15h00 & 16h00, Sunday: 11h30
Herdade da Mingorra, Trindade, 7800-761, Beja, Portugal.
37° 53' 03.9" N | 07° 53' 37.5" W | +351 284 952 004
geral@mingorra.com | Website

Herdade dos Grous

Wine tourism at Herdade dos Grous is one of their main focus and they're keen to share their enthusiasm and knowledge of the art of wine making. They offer guided tours of the vines and to the winery. Wine tasting is offered at their designated bar, and there is also a restaurant at hand, as well as their well stocked shop.

Daily: 09h30 - 18h30
Herdade dos Grous Lda, 7800-601 Albernôa, Beja, Portugal.
37° 51' 27.7" N | 07° 57' 26.0" W | +351 284 960 000
herdadedosgrous@herdadedosgrous.pt | Website