Tomar Synagogue
Sinagoga de Tomar
Portugal's best-preserved medieval synagogue, with a 15th-century Gothic vaulted ceiling, housing the Abraham Zacuto Portuguese Jewish Museum.
This synagogue was built in the mid-15th century. After Portugal expelled its Jews in 1496, the building was used successively as a prison, a church and a warehouse, which is how it survived. It is Portugal's best-preserved medieval synagogue. The square hall is supported by four stone pillars that carry twelve ribbed vaults, and clay jars are set into the corners to improve the acoustics. It now houses the Abraham Zacuto Portuguese Jewish Museum, which displays tombstones and inscriptions. It stands on Rua Dr. Joaquim Jacinto in the old town. Admission is free, and it is closed on Mondays.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 10:00–13:00, 14:00–18:00 (until 17:00 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Rua Serpa Pinto & Old Town
- Church of São João Baptista & Praça da República
- Levada de Tomar Cultural Complex
- Mouchão Park
- Match Museum
- Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
- Tomar Castle
- Church of Santa Maria do Olival