Synagogue of Tomar
The Synagogue of Tomar was built in the 15th century by Prince Henrique, in the same period as the Order of Christ. The area where it is located was, in times, an exclusively Jewish neighborhood, with a school, assembly and court of the Jewish community. In 1496, with the expulsion of the Jews from Portugal, the building closed and the town's Jewish quarter changed its name to Rua Nova.
Over the centuries it had several roles: jail, hayloft, barn, grocery store, cellar and storage room. In 1923 it was purchased by Dr. Samuel Schwarz, a Polish Jew, who donated the building to the Portuguese State. It is classified as a National Monument, and has a rectangular plan and vaulted roof, based on four columns in the central part and twelve corbels, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Other symbols, in addition to the ones built, were incorporated, from donations made by Jews from all over the world. Also visit the Interpretation Centre of the Synagogue of Tomar, and the Portuguese-Hebrew Museum Abraham Zacuto, in the building attached to the synagogue.
Address
Rua Dr. Joaquim Jacinto, 73
2300-577 Tomar
39.603308, -8.413787
Schedule
Summer (April to September):
Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 1 pm, and from 2 pm to 6 pm;
Winter (October to March):
Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 12 noon, and from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Closed: January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
Free admission.