Elvas Jewish History House

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Portalegre > Elvas > Elvas > Centro Histórico

Location

The House of Jewish History of Elvas is located in the heart of the city's Historic Centre, specifically in the old Judiaria Velha (Old Jewish Quarter). Its location invites a journey through the narrow, labyrinthine streets that once characterized this important community, allowing visitors to feel the atmosphere of one of Elvas's oldest residential areas.

The Enigma of the Ancient Synagogue

This unique building, adapted in the early 16th century to serve as a public slaughterhouse, holds strong indications of having been the Great Synagogue of Elvas. Several clues lead to this interpretation: its architecture, with large medieval Gothic naves, resembles other 15th-century synagogues; its proximity to a water source essential for purification rituals, namely a cistern in the Pátio da Amoreira (Mulberry Tree Courtyard); and the transformation of the worship space itself into a slaughterhouse, a historically documented practice for desecrating sacred sites. If this hypothesis is confirmed, it would be the largest medieval synagogue discovered in Portugal.

A Window into the Jewish Past

Inside the House of Jewish History, visitors find a space dedicated to recreating the atmosphere of what might have been a synagogue. Additionally, the venue hosts exhibition areas that detail the history of the Jewish and New Christian community of Elvas. It is possible to learn about the trajectory of some of the region's most notable New Christian families, such as the Correio-Mor, descendants of important figures like Abraham Senior, a royal treasurer in Spain, or the Botafogo and Orta families. Original architectural elements, such as twelve columns that may symbolize the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and medieval vestiges like steps and a Manueline window, complement the experience and offer tangible glimpses into the past.

Symbol of Memory and Tolerance

More than just an exhibition space, the House of Jewish History of Elvas is a meeting point with the cultural memory of a community that profoundly marked the history of the city and the country. Its existence underscores the importance of preserving and honoring Jewish heritage, integrating it into the vast legacy of Elvas, also recognized by UNESCO. This place thus serves as a reminder of the richness of cultural diversity and the historical relevance of tolerance, allowing for reflection on the values that shaped and continue to shape Elvas's identity.

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