Portugal is Spain’s neighboring country, and a large part of its border is drawn between Andalusia (Huelva province) and the Portuguese regions of Alentejo and Algarve. Therefore, from our autonomous community, interesting tours can be organized to discover the legacy of the Sephardic Jews in Portugal, who were also part of what Jewish tradition called Sepharad, as it encompassed the entire Iberian Peninsula. These tours are particularly feasible if you plan to spend your holidays in the western Andalusian area (Huelva, Seville, Cadiz). In this post, we tell you about the most interesting and accessible destinations for those who wish to experience this.
Elvas, a Picturesque Medieval City
Elvas, recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, boasts one of the most picturesque and best-preserved historic centers in the entire country. Fortunately for those interested in the Sephardic Jews of Portugal, it retains significant vestiges of that community, which was expelled from the country in 1497. Most notably, the Casa da História Judaica (House of Jewish History), which once served as a synagogue, was located in the heart of the old Jewish quarter. Elvas is situated very close to the Spanish border and the Extremaduran city of Badajoz, and is approximately 150 km from Aracena (Huelva) and about 230 km from Seville.
Castelo de Vide, Home and Refuge for Sephardic Jews in Portugal
This small town, located in the Sierra de San Mamés, is one of those that can boast the richest Sephardic past. Its old Jewish quarter still retains much of its medieval charm, especially visible in streets like Rua da Judiaria or Rua Nova. Many homes of Sephardic Jews expelled from Castile in 1492 were concentrated in the latter. The main synagogue, which served this function since the 14th century, was located on Rua da Fonte and is now one of the most interesting museums for understanding the way of life of the Sephardic Jews of Portugal. In this case, the excursion is somewhat longer (about 300 km from Seville), but the beauty of this town and its ancient Jewish quarter justify the journey.
Évora, a Historical Gem with a Sephardic Past
The city of Évora is one of the most beautiful in all of Portugal, and a visit is recommended for any type of traveler, as it features important megalithic, Roman, and medieval remains… so it is no coincidence that it has also been chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those interested in the Sephardic roots of Portugal will find great interest in strolling through the narrow streets of the old town. At the Évora Museum, they can encounter objects and works related to its past, although some of them are very painful, such as the Inquisition Tribunal Table. From Seville, the distance to Évora is just over 250 km, but only 210 km from Huelva city.
Elvas, Castelo de Vide, and Évora are three places closely related to the Sephardic Jews in Portugal. We can take you there on interesting excursions or as part of a circuit from Andalusia. Contact us for more information.
