JEWISH ROUTE
BELMONTE
Belmonte
Um nome justificado! Linda vila que se estende num belo monte….
A história de Belmonte é associada a Pedro Alvares Cabral, o navegador descobridor do Brasil, onde nasceu tendo o seu pai sido o primeiro alcaide da vila.
Belmonte acolheu a última comunidade Cripto-Judaica da Península Ibérica. Esta comunidade não renunciou à sua fé judaica, mas, como não a podiam viver publicamente, recorreram à ocultação religiosa, surgindo assim o criptojudaísmo que manteve vivas as tradições judaicas dos cristãos-novos, descendentes do velho judaísmo português.
O património judaico é imenso, vai desde da Torre de Centum Cellas à Vila Romana de Fórnea, às casas da rua Direita onde se observam marcas judias no granito.
É obrigatório visitar o cemitério judaico, a Sinagoga Bet Eliahu e a judiaria que são ainda locais de culto e festividade para a comunidade Judaica. No museu Judaico pode apreciar muitas peças que aqui pode ver estiveram escondidas durante séculos devido às perseguições da Inquisição.
Quanto a gastronomia, esta comunidade segue a tradição kosher seguida pelos judeus. Traduzindo para português kosher, significa “adequado” ou “bom”, ou seja, tudo aquilo que é adequado para o consumo por judeus. As regras foram criadas em busca de uma alimentação mais pura e que nutra o corpo e a alma.
CASTELO DE VIDE
Castelo de Vide
One of the most precious gems in the High Alentejo region. From the top of the castle walls, whose endless sights are a marvel to behold, it is possible to admire the ancient, still-inhabited burg. In the background, the breathtaking Alentejo plains fill the horizon – an interminable landscape with a very subtle Toscany essence, with a few wine estates scattered around.
Castelo de Vide is primarily known for its jewish neighbourhood, as well as its synagogue. On the northern end, an assortment of narrow streets encompass the heart of the district, one of the most well preserved in the country. This fascinating jewry is one of the most noteworthy examples of jewish presence in the country, dating back to the remote XIII century.
The synagogue is the oldest in the country, one of the most ancient in western Europe. Its exquisite facade blends beautifully with its surroundings, with the tabernacle and the mihrab inside being flawlessly preserved. The museum is also worth a visit, if you wish to learn a little bit more about the life of the burg’s first inhabitants.
In the village center, a majestic church outshines its surroundings, dominating the city centre with its two monumental towers. In Castelo de Vide, there is a total amount of twelve churches, a quite impressive number considering that there are only 3500 people living there.
If you feel like wandering around the city, make sure to take the cobblestone road that passes by the Senhora da Penha chapel, a building that likely dates back to an ancient pagan cult. Again, the view on top is absolutely stunning, a sight to behold!
The vast traces of human presence found in the region are witnesses of ancient times. Amoung all the wonders you can find in Castelo de Vide, the Meada mehnir stands out. It is the oldest known mehnir in the Iberian Peninsula! The Coureleiros Megalithic Park or the fake dome constructions are also definitely worth a visit.
As is tradition, we leave the best for last: the nature involving the village. In this hidden paradise in Alentejo, the diversity of exotic wildlife to be found is astonishing: Bonelli’s Eagles, black storks, wildcats, foxes, just to name a few. Truly an experience you don’t want to miss out on!
TRANCOSO
Trancoso
Located between the Douro Valley and the Serra da Estrela, at 860 meters above sea level, Trancoso witnessed the rise of its prominent castle in the VII-IX centuries. It was recognised from very early on as a special place by king Dinis, who celebrated his wedding with Saint Elizabeth here. The event was immortalised by the construction of the S. Bartolomeu chapel.
King Dinis also had the walls around the village built, which up until today have kept on protecting the people inside. Here, christians and jews lived peacefully for many centuries. The establishment of the jewish community precedes the reign of king Pedro I, who in 1364 granted them their own jewry. In the XV century, the jewish population in the village increased rapidly, eventually outgrowing the local community. This rise contributed to the need of having the synagogue enlarged, a request carried out in 1481 by king João II. This jewish heritage is also noticeable in the Casa do Gato Preto or the Isaac Cardoso Jewish Cultural Centre, where a replica of an ancient sinagogue is located in.
Trancoso has one of the most electrifying historical centres of the country, visited anually by thousands of people. In here, a few churches stand out: Santa Maria, S. Pedro or the Misericórdia church. It is also home to the well-known Casa dos Arcos or the Pelourinho, a true landmark of the region!
Countless are the myths and personalities that even today still remain engraved in people’s memories. The case of Gonçalo Anes Bandarra (1500-1556), a shoemaker, a poet, a profet comes to mind… If it weren’t for him, we would never look out the window on a foggy winter morning, cheerfully hoping for the return of our beloved El Rei D. Sebastião!
The beautiful landscapes of Trancoso are the perfect complement to its rich historical heritage! The Necropolis of primitive graves, a must-see for any visitor, is an impressive memorial of primordial lives in the region. The romantic Municipal Park is also worth a visit, being home to more than 40 species of trees, including the massive Sequoia.
Keeping up with the high standards set by the beauty of the village, comes the local gastronomy. It is both rich and diverse, filled with traditional products such as the chessnut, the walnut, cheese or sausages. We recommend that you try at least one of the following: musk mushrooms stew, Trancoso sweet sardines or the Convento de Santa Clara conventual recipe. You won’t regret it!