Beja

Beja rises above the plains of the southern Alentejo, its castle keep visible across the surrounding country. The imposing tower dates from the end of King Denis's reign and forms the heart of a fortress enlarged and repaired in the fourteenth century. In 1372 King Ferdinand ordered further work through the commanders and masters of the Order of Santiago. During the succession crisis of 1383–1385, the town and castle supported the Master of Aviz, who became King John I.