A restored 13th Century Franciscan
Convent, the impressive Pousada Beja is located in the heart of the historical
centre of the Alentejo town of Beja in Portugal.
The city was founded by Julius
Ceasar in 48 BC and was originally named Pax Julia following the signing
of the peace treaty here between the Romans and the Lusitanians.
The town later became famous
as the home of the nun, Mariana Alceforado. This young nun lived in the
Convento de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao in the 1600s.
She fell in love with a French
soldier, and on his return to France she wrote several love letters to
him. In later years the translation of these letters became internationally
famous as "Letters of a Portuguese Nun". The originals of these translations
have never been found.
The 15th Century convent
in which the nun lived is a beautiful building with a Rococo chapel and
wonderful 16th and 17th Century painted tiles.
To the north of the old town
is Beja Castle built in the 14th Century by Dom Dinis I on the site of a Roman fort.
Near the castle is the basilica
of Santo Amaro which has a small Archeological Museum. It is one of the
few surviving buildings from the period before the Moors ruled this part
of Portugal. From its high position there are excellent views over the
Alentejo countryside.
A walk round the narrow streets
of the old quarter will reveal attractive white washed houses with iron
doorways and grills.
Approximately 30 km east
of Beja is the small walled town of Serpa, a typical Alentejo market town,
inhabited since Celtic times.
Travelling north from Serpa,
visit the Village of Pias, renowned for its red wine. Tours of the local
vineyards and adega can be arranged.
Continuing north is the spa
town of Moura. The thermal mineral waters of this settlement are still
used today and are considered to be beneficial to anyone suffering from
rheumatism.
Pousada of Beja is a magnificent
building with some beautifully painted ceilings and frescos. It is an ideal
place to relax after exploring this fascinating area.
Accommodation at Beja Pousada comprises
1 suite, 3 superior bedrooms and 31 standard bedrooms all with private bathroom, hair dryer, bathing gowns, cable television, air conditioning, telephone, internet, safe and minibar.
Facilities include lift, restaurant, bar, terrace, safe, free wireless internet access in the public areas, swimming pool, tennis court, snooker and games room and parking.
Dining in Portugal is usually
very good. The restaurants of the Pousada group hotels offer a variety
of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.
Activities in the locality
include fishing, shooting, horse riding, carriage tours, country walks,
cruises, water sports (river and dam), hot air ballooning, micro lighting,
bird watching, archery and crossbow.
The Pousada Beja also has conference
facilities.
The international airport
at Faro is approximately 140 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.
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