Beco brings together sacred architectural history, archaeological traces and recurring events throughout the year. The Igreja Matriz de Beco, the Igreja de Santo Aleixo and the Fonte Seca I rock-cut tomb offer different ways to explore the area’s history. There is also a cherry fair in late spring, two events in July and a walking trail that connects cultural heritage with natural heritage.

Churches and Architectural History

The Igreja Matriz de Beco was founded at the beginning of the 16th century. The Igreja de Santo Aleixo offers a different architectural point of reference: it has three naves divided into five bays. In architectural terms, naves are the lengthwise sections of a church, while bays are sections along its interior. The two churches can therefore be described in different ways: by the date of the Matriz’s founding and by the layout of Santo Aleixo.

Rock-Cut Tomb and Tradition

Fonte Seca I (CNS 24885) is a Visigothic burial site in Beco. The intact tomb was cut into the rock. It is trapezoidal, has a head end and is oriented from east to west. These features describe both its shape and its orientation, adding an archaeological perspective on Beco to the architectural history of its churches.

The Capela de Nossa Senhora da Orada is also associated with a historical tradition. By 1712, there was already a tradition that the chapel predated the church of Beco. This is a tradition, not a confirmed date for the chapel.

Events Throughout the Year

Beco’s annual cherry fair takes place on the last Sunday in May or the first Sunday in June. The date can therefore fall at the transition between May and June.

Two more events follow in July: the celebration in honour of Nossa Senhora da Orada takes place on the second weekend of July, and the Feira Anual de Santo Aleixo on the third Sunday of the month. These are different time slots, and the dates may also be adjusted from year to year. Check the specific events calendar before setting your travel dates.

Walking Trails and Regional Connections

The PR6 Zêzere Sagrado includes the Igreja de Santo Aleixo in Beco among three churches of public interest. The walking route connects this cultural heritage with the natural heritage of Ferreira do Zêzere. The section from Beco towards Dornes has a significant change in elevation and views of the Zêzere. The municipality reports that the PR6 is temporarily suspended. Check its current status before planning a walk.

The PTT1 off-road route offers a different kind of route. It also passes through Beco and includes other places in Ferreira do Zêzere, including Aderneira, Lago Azul, S. Pedro de Castro, Pombeira, Rio Fundeiro, 3 Ilhas and Dornes. When planning, first consider whether you want a walking route or an off-road route. Check the route conditions for PTT1 before setting out; for the PR6, take particular note of the reported suspension.

Discover more destinations: Atalaia, Azoia De Baixo, Martinchel, Soudos, Benavente, Cercal Do Alentejo, Monsanto, Urqueira

For the overview of the wider region, see: Santarem.