Centro Histórico de Beja

About

Beja's historic centre is not a building but a stage. Each summer the Beja na Rua festival turns its streets, squares and courtyards into performance spaces, organised into four themed bairros: Bairro das Flores, Bairro do Amor, Bairro da BD and Bairro das Cores.

Named locations used by the programme include the Beco do Salvador, the Terreirinho das Peças and the courtyard of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia — all within a few minutes' walk of each other. Outside festival season the same streets hold the castle, the Museu Rainha Dona Leonor and most of the city's cafés and restaurants.

Getting there

• On foot: the centre is small and pedestrian-friendly; everything in the festival programme is within about ten minutes' walk of Praça da República.
• By car: park on the ring road around the old town rather than trying to drive in — several streets are closed to traffic during festival evenings.
• By train or coach: the CP station and the Rede Expressos terminal are both a short walk or taxi ride from the centre.

Good to know

• All Beja na Rua programming is free entry.
• Performances are outdoors and mostly in the evening; the Alentejo cools down after dark, so bring a layer.
• The old town is built on a hill with cobbled streets — some routes between venues are steep or uneven.