municipality and town of Portugal

Belmonte is a town in Beira Baixa, Portugal.

Understand edit

 
Sinagoga Bet Eliahu

Belmonte (behl-MOHN-t(ih), /bɛɫ.ˈmõ.tɨ/) has the only Jewish community in the Iberian peninsula that survived the inquisitions. They were able to do so by observing a strict rule of endogamy and going to great lengths to conceal their faith from their neighbours, with many even going to church and publicly carrying out Christian rites. As a result of their history, these Jews tend to be very secretive, though some are slowly beginning to reconnect with the worldwide Jewish community.

Visitor information edit

Get in edit

Long-distance bus service is available from Rede Expressos.

Belmonte is served by the A23 motorway (Autoestrada da Beira Interior).

Get around edit

 
Map of Belmonte

See edit

  • 1 Castle of Belmonte. The Castle of Belmonte is a 13th-century medieval castle.    
  • 2 Museu Judaico de Belmonte (Jewish Museum of Belmonte), Rua da Portela 4, +351 275 088 698, . 15 Sep–14 Apr: 09:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30, 15 Apr–14 Sep: 09:30–13:00 & 14:30–18:00, closed M, 1 Jan, Easter Su, 1 May, 25 Dec.  
  • 3 Sinagoga Bet Eliahu (House of Elijah Synagogue), Rua Fonte Rosa, +351 876 976 973.  
  • 4 Torre de Centocelas (Centum Cellas). Ruins of a 1st-century rustic Roman villa.    

Do edit

Buy edit

Eat edit

Drink edit

Sleep edit

  • 1 Pousada Convento Belmonte, Convento de Belmonte, Serra da Esperança Apartado 76, +351 275 910 300, . Set on the slopes of the Esperança Mountain, at just over 1 km from the town of Belmonte, the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the pousada results from the renovation of the former Nossa Senhora da Esperança Convent. Inside, the chapel and sacristy have been converted into a lounge and bar a good example of the harmonious blend of historical architecture and modern construction and comfort.

Connect edit

Go next edit

This city travel guide to Belmonte is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.