Museums and Palaces

Medieval Synagogue of Castelo de Vide

The building believed to have been the ancient medieval synagogue of Castelo de Vide is now a museum and is one of the most emblematic of the town. Located at the intersection of Rua da Judiaria and Rua da Fonte, it is oriented east-west. There is no certainty as to its date, but it is only assumed that it dates back to the time when the Jewish quarter was established in the 14th century.

The complex consists of two floors: in one of the rooms on the upper floor is what would have been the central prayer space, with a Hejal discovered in the 1970s, which is now the centre of the exhibition circuit. Here the men of the community gathered, while a separate room to the right was for female members. A door leading to the first floor bears a Mezuzah mark; all the doors are ogival, pre 16th century.

The remaining rooms display a collection of pieces on the history of the Jewish community in Castelo de Vide. The restoration, consolidation and enhancement works of the Synagogue building required several surveys, which allowed the collection of archaeological materials.

The building underwent profound changes in the 16th century, coinciding with the end of freedom of worship for Jews in Portugal. Altered and adapted over the centuries, the Synagogue also underwent adaptation work to become a residence in the 18th century.