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Malhada Sorda Synagogue

Until recently popularly known as Esnoga, this recently restored building dates back to the 16th century; also referred to as the Casa do Relógio (Clock House), it is possible that it once served as a secret synagogue.

However, the Esnoga is totally devoid of the elements traditionally associated with a synagogue: there is no structure that refers to the women baths, nor a Mezuzah at the entrance, nor is the Hejal facing east. The absence of all these elements can be read as a strategy of concealment, to which must be added the existing Christian iconography inside the building.

In fact, inside, the appearance is that of an ordinary dwelling house, with a cross on one of the walls, above a holy water font, probably to further deter the inquisitors. One can also find a cupboard that, although it cannot be exactly identified as a Hejal, could have been secretly adapted for the purpose.

The façade of the Esnoga has a late Manueline style window from the 16th century and also a sundial, believed to be from the 17th century.