Largo Nuno Alvares Pereira 7801-901 Beja (Alentejo|Portugal)
The still intact harshness of a past exposed to multiple ups and downs since the foundation of this monastery in 1268 dampens its character after its transformation into a pousada. History written step by step, from the refectory to the manueline cloister, in the 16th century, we advance to the building of the church one century later, in mannerist style. The 16th and 17th century tiles found both in the chapel and the cloisters are in themselves a praise to the country’s specialty. For their part, the old Franciscan cells transformed into bedrooms skillfully synthesize the spirit of a pousada: not too modern but not uncomfortable copies of other times. The back garden invites cultivating spirituality, especially when the convent walls house concerts of classical music by the hand of renowned national orchestras. Romanticism is down to the individual, although it helps to know the story of Sister María Alcoforado, of one of her innocent pleas to the Count of Chamilly and her patient unrequited love, cloistered in São Francisco.
Double room: 34, Suites: 1;
todas con
heating, air-conditioning, king-size beds, satellite TV, radio, work desk, safe, free mini bar, welcoming fruit basket, non-smoking bedrooms, bathrobe, hair dryer
24 hour service, garden, outdoor pool, tennis, WIFI zone, conference rooms with capacity for 350persons , sauna-shower, living room, billiard room, children’s pool
Café bar, Restaurant, Terrace
Playroom
Some bedrooms are outfitted for handicapped guests
A hotel for smokers
+ non-smoking bedrooms
Open year round.
Conceiçao Sousa
Credit cards: AE, DC, EC, MC, V
Taxes included
Room 223 deserves special attention due to its personal decoration in blue tones and its views to the swimming pool. It also has an intact brick arch from the original era.
Alentejo food and Beja specialties in the pousada’s restaurant. Lamb stew to start with and traditional desserts to finish.
The 13th century walls and castle take up all the prominence in the old center of Beja. There are also two convents: Nossa Señora da Conceiçao (now a Regional Museum) and São Francisco, and churches everywhere. When leaving the village it is worth visiting the old mills, restored for tourism.
5 km away is the roman town of Pizões which is very interesting to study.
Classical music concerts by important national orchestras, such as Sinfonieta de Lisboa, integrated by young Portuguese composers.