Jewish Sephardic Heritage Essence 10H
Valência de Alcantara, Spain, Synagogue
Portagem, Portugal
Marvão, Portugal
Marvão, Portugal
Castelo de Vide, Portugal, Jewish quarter

Jewish Sephardic Heritage Essence 10H: Join us on a captivating ten-hour private tour delving into the Essence of Jewish Sephardic culture, where history, architecture, and stories converge to reveal a rich heritage spanning millennia.

  • Discover the complete history of Portuguese Sephardic Jews.
  • Driver/guide (full time trip leader)
  • Pick-up and drop-off available from Lisbon central hotels or Lisbon cruise terminal.
  • Private Tour
Included

Private tour/only your group will participate

Driver/guide (full time trip leader)

Fresh water

Pick-up and drop-off available from Lisbon central hotels or Lisbon cruise terminal.

Not included

Food and drinks Baggage allowance is limited to one standard suitcase per person

Duration10 Hours
ParticipantsTour takes place from 2 to 8 participants.
Important information

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled start time.

The pickup or the drop-off does not include luggage transport.

Infant seats are available on request, if advised at time of booking.

Local supplier contact information: (+351) 938164042 / (+351) 932444263 / geral@essenciadalatitude.com

Further information

Begin your exploration by visiting the Portuguese golden region of Alentejo, where vast plains reveal enchanting white villages adorned with ancestral houses. These villages encapsulate the essence of Sepharad, once a haven of harmony for the Jewish community. Embark on a discovery that safeguard the true history of Portuguese and Spanish Jews. For over 3,000 years, Sephardic Jews have shaped Iberian culture, contributing significantly to the development and prosperity of both nations.

Trace the paths where thousands sought survival amidst intolerance and violence. Uncover the secretive world of crypto-Judaism, a testament to the enduring resilience of Portuguese Jews over five centuries.

Your first stop will be in Spain at Valência d’Alcântara, a charming old village located in the province of Cáceres, in the autonomous community of Extremadura.

Valencia de Alcántara dates back to medieval times and has a rich history shaped by its strategic location near the border with Portugal. The village played a significant role during the Reconquista period when Christians reclaimed territory from Muslim rule. During the medieval period, Valencia de Alcántara was home to a thriving Jewish community. The Jewish quarter, or Judería, was an integral part of the village, where Jews lived and worked alongside with Christians and Muslims in relative harmony.

One of the notable attractions in Valencia de Alcántara is the Sephardic Synagogue, a testament to the village’s Jewish heritage. This synagogue provides insights into the religious and cultural practices of the Sephardic Jews who once inhabited the area. Wander through the narrow, winding streets of Valencia de Alcántara to discover historic buildings adorned with traditional Spanish, Jewish and Moorish architectural elements. The village retains its medieval charm, with whitewashed houses, stone-paved alleys, and quaint squares.

Crossing into Portugal, visit Portagem, a pivotal site where Spanish Jews crossed into safety following the Alhambra Decree, in the late 15th century. Following the expulsion, many Spanish Jews sought refuge in neighboring Portugal, where they hoped to find greater tolerance and acceptance. Portagem, located near the border between Spain and Portugal, became a crucial crossing point for fleeing Jews. Today, Portagem preserves elements of its historical significance, including remnants of ancient pathways and possibly structures that once provided shelter or support to fleeing Spanish Jews. These traces serve as reminders of the resilience and determination of those who sought refuge in Portugal.

Visitors to Portagem can also explore its natural beauty, including the picturesque Sever River and surrounding landscapes.

Discover Marvão, a picturesque medieval village perched atop a hill in Portugal's Alentejo region, has a rich history intertwined with the Jewish community during the Middle Ages.

Marvão dates back to Roman times but flourished during the medieval period, becoming an important defensive stronghold due to its strategic hilltop location near the border with Spain.

Like many other towns in the Iberian Peninsula, Marvão had a significant Jewish population during the Middle Ages. Jews played vital roles in various aspects of local commerce, crafts, and intellectual life, contributing to the cultural and economic vibrancy of the village.

Although specific details about Marvão's Jewish quarter and synagogue are not extensively documented, it is known that the village had a designated area where Jewish families lived and worshiped. The presence of Jews in Marvão facilitated cultural exchanges between Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities, contributing to the rich tapestry of Alentejo’s cultural heritage. In 1492, after the Edict of Expulsion from Spain, many Jews sought refuge in neighboring Portugal, including in towns like Marvão. They brought with them skills in commerce, agriculture, medicine, and crafts, enriching the local economy and cultural landscape.

Lunch Break: Pause for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Portuguese dishes made from fresh, local ingredients (not included).

Conclude your tour at Castelo de Vide, a medieval fortified town enclosed within castle walls strategically located near the Spanish border. Its hilltop location provided both defensive advantages and a picturesque setting. Delve into the evidence of a thriving Jewish community that coexisted harmoniously with their Christian neighbors.

During the Middle Ages, Castelo de Vide had a significant Jewish population, reflecting the broader presence of Jews in the Iberian Peninsula. Jews were involved in various trades, commerce, crafts, and intellectual pursuits, contributing to the town's cultural and economic vitality. Castelo de Vide had a well-defined Jewish quarter, where Jewish families lived, worked, and worshiped.

The layout of the streets and houses within this quarter often reflected Jewish architectural styles and cultural practices. The town once housed a synagogue, a central place of worship and community gathering for its Jewish inhabitants. While the original synagogue may no longer exist, efforts are made to preserve and interpret its historical significance. Castelo de Vide’s Jewish heritage is an integral part of Portugal’s efforts to recognize and preserve its diverse cultural history. The town’s historical sites and cultural events commemorate the contributions and resilience of its Jewish community amidst challenging historical circumstances.

Castelo de Vide offers a poignant glimpse into the vibrant Jewish life that once thrived within its walls. Its historical significance, coupled with its scenic beauty and cultural richness, invites visitors to explore the complexities of Iberian history and appreciate the enduring legacy of its Jewish inhabitants.

Following forced conversions and persecution, some Jews in Portugal practiced crypto-Judaism, maintaining Jewish traditions in secret while publicly adhering to Christianity. Evidence suggests that Marvão and Castelo de Vide may have been a refuge for these crypto-Jewish communities seeking to preserve their cultural and religious identity.

Today, Castelo de Vide preserves its medieval architecture, including narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and remnants of its historical fortifications.

Embrace the true Sepharad and rediscover History. Join us as we uncover the rich tapestry of Sephardic culture, weaving together tales of resilience, heritage, and the enduring legacy of Portuguese and Spanish Jews. Explore hidden corners and historical landmarks that narrate a story of tolerance, respect, and cultural vibrancy.

Come with Essência da Latitude on this unforgettable journey to discover the true essence of Sepharad, where every step reveals a piece of history preserved in the heart of Iberia.

 

Itinerary: Hotel pick up; Valência de Alcântara: Jewish Quarter; Valência de Alcântara: 14th/15th Century Synagogue; Portagem: 15th Century Tower and Bridge; Marvão: Complete Guided Tour inside the Medieval Village; Lunch: Free Time; Castelo de Vide: Historic Centre; Castelo de Vide: 14th/15th Century Synagogue; Hotel drop off.

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