Tomar
Portugal

Tomar, home of the best preserved medieval synagogue of Portugal.

The Jewish History of Tomar

Home of the Order of Christ, formerly the Knights Templars, the City of Tomar was also place of address of Prince D. Henrique during the XIV century, one of the most important figures in the History of the Portuguese Maritime Discoveries. Tomar Jewish community dates back to 1315 as organized, but it’s only during the reign of the Prince D. Henrique that the community consistently thrives, the Jewish quarter is fully organized and the synagogue is built. With the growth of the African colonies and arrival of new products to trade, the Jewish community expands and makes up half the population of Tomar.

Tomar

During the beginning of the Inquisition however, Tomar quickly becomes one of the most chastised cities and endures great human loss due to persecutions and sought control over the New-Christians. Nowadays we can still walk the street of the former Jewish quarter and visit the synagogue of Tomar – Luso-Hebrew Museum of Abrãao Zacuto, the only Portuguese synagogue still intact and untouched since the second half of the XV century. With a square blueprint and a discrete entrance, the front bares twelve arches symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the ceilings are founded upon four columns representing the Matriarchs of Israel. During recent architectural work a room intended for mikveh was uncovered.

We are a passionate team of private guides, led by Pedro, certified in Jewish Heritage by the Portuguese Tourism Board (Turismo de Portugal – Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo do Porto), and certified on Tourism and Jewish Heritage by INP / University of Lisbon Lusofona.