House of the Inquisition - Interactive Center of Jewish History

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Évora > Reguengos de Monsaraz > Monsaraz > Monsaraz e São Pedro do Corval

Location

This space is situated in the picturesque medieval village of Monsaraz, nestled between its white, sloping streets. The two-story house, featuring a distinctive tile panel between carved stone windows, is located near the alcazaba, at the end of Rua de Santiago, integrating harmoniously into the historical architecture of the locality.

Monsaraz, part of the municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz, offers an encompassing environment marked by the tranquility of Alentejo and its fortified heritage, providing a unique setting for visiting this center.

History and the Building

Despite the traditional designation, which points to the building as the "House of the Inquisition" and a supposed place of torture, historical records clarify that Monsaraz never housed an Inquisition court. Trials related to New Christians from the region were conducted by the Holy Office in Évora.

It is probable that this building served as temporary accommodation for a member of the Holy Office, or to house accused individuals before their transfer to Évora. Nevertheless, many inhabitants of Monsaraz faced the adversities of this period, and the center is dedicated to telling their stories, revealing the challenges faced by those who refused to abandon their beliefs.

Jewish Memory in Monsaraz

The presence of a Jewish community in Monsaraz predates the Inquisition period by centuries. Ancient documents, such as the charter granted by D. Afonso III in 1276, already refer to the existence of this Hebrew minority in the village.

Over time, various sources, including 14th-century records from the reigns of D. Dinis and D. Fernando, attest to the prosperity and importance of the local Jewish community, with mentions of figures such as Abrão Alfarime, a prominent Jew from Monsaraz. The center gathers and interprets these documentary and archaeological proofs, confirming the significant Jewish history in the region.

An Interpretation Center

The House of the Inquisition functions as an interactive center that goes beyond simple exhibition. Its objective is to serve as a space for reflection and understanding, promoting the interpretation of Monsaraz's history and its people through memory and knowledge.

The exhibition route includes thematic areas such as "Religion and Man", which explores the religions of the Book (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam), and "Judaism in Monsaraz", focusing on the documented local Jewish history and presence. The "Past/Future" space presents images related to the Inquisition, the Holocaust, and religious conflicts, illustrating the suffering of the Jewish people throughout history. The center also has a study office to welcome researchers and students, fostering historical research.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt