Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Lisboa > Torres Vedras > Torres Vedras > Bairro de Santo António
The Jewish Community Interpretation Centre is located in the historic core of Torres Vedras, nestled in the Santo António neighbourhood. This space, comprising traditional-style buildings known as Cerca da Josefa, is situated a few steps from the area where, in times past, the city's ancient Jewish quarter flourished, in an area of easy access and historical context.
Dedicated to revealing the profound influence of the Sephardic Jewish presence in Torres Vedras, this centre offers insight into the rich material and immaterial heritage that shaped local history. Through its exhibition, the vibrant daily life of the Jewish community, its interactions, and sometimes its challenges with Christian neighbours are unveiled.
Inaugurated in 2017, this museum facility benefited from the scientific supervision of the Alberto Benveniste Chair of Sephardic Studies, Faculty of Letters, University of Lisbon, ensuring the historical accuracy of its narrative.
The exhibition rooms invite visitors on an immersive journey through the history of the Jewish presence in Portugal and, specifically, in Torres Vedras. Visitors are guided from the origins of this community to moments of greatest tribulation, such as expulsion and forced conversion.
Original documents, such as ancient contracts, letters of pardon, or royal missives, complement informational panels, illustrating the daily life of Jewish families, their professions, and their customs. A significant part of the space addresses the impact of the Inquisition and the dramatic transformation of the old Jewish quarter, where the synagogue was converted for other uses. There is a memorial commemorating the Torriense victims of the Inquisition, emphasizing the importance of historical memory.
This centre is integrated into the "Routes of Sepharad," an initiative aimed at valuing Portuguese Jewish identity and fostering intercultural dialogue. The requalification of the buildings that house it, Cerca da Josefa, was part of this project for heritage preservation and dissemination.
The visit experience can extend to the exterior, exploring the ancient paths of the Jewish quarter, creating a direct link between what is exhibited inside and the original urban layout. The interior courtyard offers a serene environment and can host various cultural activities, enriching the experience of those seeking to understand the dimension of this legacy.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.0933545,-9.2612043
Coordinates DMS: 39°05'36.1"N 09°15'40.3"W
Weather Torres Vedras
On-duty Pharmacy Torres Vedras
