ALENTEJO GOLDEN PLAINS - TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Beja

Beja (pop. 35,000), situated on a hill high above the Alentejo`s Golden Plains, boasts a history that stretches back to the time of the Celts. Romans knew Beja as Pax Julia, a prime trading outpost connected by road to Lisbon, Merida, Santarem and Braga. One of modern-day Portugal`s most dynamic regional capitals, Beja`s importance as a commercial center is still evident two millennia after the time of Pax Julia. Beja thrives today not only as a city of historical significance, but as a haven for artists, sculptors, writers, and restaurateurs.

Alvito

Alvito (pop. 2,500) is a small city with a very long history. The first people to live in the Alvito area were the Lusitanians many millennia ago. Later, Alvito would be conquered by the Romans, the Visigoths and finally the Moors, before the Portuguese crown reclaimed the city during the Reconquista in 1234. Originally a thriving agricultural parish, Alvito`s economy is now service and tourism-oriented.

Pias

Pias (pop. 2,800) is one of five parishes that comprise the town of Serpa (pop. 15,000). The name `Pias` means `sinks` in Portuguese, and the name of the town comes from the granite sink-like troughs that were used to feed and hydrate the local livestock. The town of Pias is modest, with only the clock tower jutting higher than the typical two-story residences and businesses. This area has been known for its iron and granite work for centuries.

Moura

Moura (pop. 8,500) was known to the Romans as Nova Civitas Aruccitana (or Arucci for short) and to the Moors as Al-Manijah. The Portuguese crown first took the city in 1166 and it was definitively conquered by the crown in 1295. Due to its proximity to the Spanish border, Moura was overtaken by the Spanish many times, the last occurring in 1708. Moura`s current claims to fame are its budding culinary scene and its local solar power plant, one of the largest in Europe.

Portel

Portel (pop. 2,600) was founded in 1261, having existed as a mere outpost during the time of the Romans and the Moors. In fact, during the Moorish occupation, fighting between warring factions was so bad that the few townspeople attempted to seek refuge inside the castle walls. The current castle in Portel dates from 1262, just one year after the city was founded. Some of the sights of interest to tourists in Portel include the aforementioned castle; the Tower of Val-Boim (which helped facilitate communication between the villages of Portel and Vera Cruz); and the Amieira Marina, where tourists can charter a boat and explore the man-made Alqueva Reservoir.