Description of the attraction
In Roman times, the city of Beja was called Pax Julia. The city had such a name because it was in it that Julius Caesar made peace with the Lusitanians. At that time, the city was surrounded by a fortress wall, the remains of which can be seen today. In the old days, the city of Beja was considered an episcopal city. Until the VIII century, the city was the seat of the Visigothic episcopate. It was later conquered by the Arabs and made the center of Muslim culture. It was also the birthplace of the fourteenth king of Portugal, Manuel I, who was nicknamed “the happy one”. Beja is the only city in Portugal, besides Evora, with the largest number of architectural monuments from the Roman period.
Beja Cathedral is one of the oldest temples in the city, which is located next to the castle. This is a hall temple, that is, the middle temple (naos) and side chapels of approximately the same height. The facade of the building seems modest, but inside the cathedral strikes the imagination with its rich interior.
The cathedral has three naves. And the vault of each nave is made in different styles - mannerism, baroque and eclectic style. Inside the cathedral, your attention will be drawn to the many 17th century altars. As soon as you enter the cathedral, you will see the altars of Saint Thiago, Saint Cesinando and the Virgin Mary da Conceisán. A little further you can see the altars of St. Anthony, St. Joseph and All Saints. From 1932 to 1947, reconstruction works were carried out, including the main facade of the building. Some of the artwork that used to be in the monasteries of Lisbon has been added to the interior of the cathedral.
