2-370-865 - Samuel Magal/Sites & Photos/Heritage Images

Spiral staircase, Beja Castle, Beja, Portugal, 2009. The city of Beja dates back to Roman times, when it became a regional capital under Julius Caesar. Moorish architecture is visible in the cobbled streets and houses of the old town. The castle dates from the 13th century. It was built during the reign of King Denis I of Portugal on the site of a Roman castle added to by the Moors. The most significant aspect of the castle is the imposing Torre de Menagem, now the symbol of Beja, with its battlements and narrow walkway running around the tower. Inside, there are three floors featuring ogival doors and worked vaults. The castle now houses a small military museum.