Beja, Portugal

© City of Beja

The city of Beja is the capital of the subregion of Baixo Alentejo. With a population close to 35,000 inhabitantes spread over a territory of more than 1,100 km², Beja has a low population density.

This city was founded during the Roman Empire by Julius Caesar or Augustus and important Roman remains have been discovered there.

After that, the city experience a new growth thanks to the foundation of the Duchy of Beja which initiate the construction of important buildings like the Convent of Our Lady of the Conception and the Palace of the Dukes of Beja and, later, the Church of Mercy, whose is one of the greatest representatives of Renaissance architecture in Portugal.

Beja has a rich cultural heritage, but also a vast natural heritage characterized by a great biodiversity.

Among the cultural assets of the city, it should be highlight:

• A strong cultural identity marked by the « Cante Alentejano », inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO.
• The creation of a UNESCO centre dedicated to the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage.
• An important work of reflection on the restoration of the built heritage and the adaptation of these spaces for cultural purposes.
• The Project “Beja CRIARTE” to develop creative tourism in small towns and rural areas through political recommendations and communities networking.
• The city has creative residences to allow artists, craftsmen and researchers to exercise their activity and share it with the local community.