Beja Castle

Beja Castle, locally known as Castelo de Beja, lies in the town of the same name in the Baixo Alentejo region in Portugal.

Beja was first fortified sometime during the 3rd or 4th century, when it was a regional Roman capital known as Pax Iulia. It continued to be of importance during the reign of the Suebi, the Visigoths and the Moors.

In the course of the Reconquista, Beja was first taken by Christian forces in 1159 and for a 2nd time in 1162, but probably retaken by the Almohads in 1191. Only in the early 1230s was it definitively reconquered by Sancho II of Portugal. In the 1250s, the fortifications of the town began to be reconstructed by Afonso III of Portugal. His son, Denis of Portugal, continued these works and ordered the construction of the keep of Beja Castle.

Manuel I of Portugal reconstructed the castle and town walls of Beja in the beginning of the 16th century. During the 17th century, these fortifications expanded and were modernized several times, only to be partly demolished at the end of the 18th and during the 19th century to make way for modern life.

In the 20th century, mainly the 2nd half, the castle was restored. After 2014 the keep was closed for 2 years, following the collapse of one of its balconies. The castle is now in use as a museum.

The castle has an irregular pentagonal plan, with a barbican protecting its gate and towering square keep. With its 40 meters, the keep is said to be the highest in Portugal. The yellow building built up against the castle's north wall is the former governor's residence.

Beja Castle can be visited for a fee. A nice castle, but the mighty keep alone already warrants a visit!

Gallery