During the 15th century, the severe persecution of the Jews from the Catholic Church Inquisition in Spain brought many Jews to Portugal to seek shelter in a more tolerant country. Settling in villages such as Castelo de Vide where they founded their own Jewish Quarter

The houses in this quarter have 2 doors, normally in granite that connect one to the lower floor that normally had a commercial use and another to the top floor, the living quarters

Rua do Arçário reveals further history. This was home to the midwife or “quencher” as she was called due to her ability to extinguish or renew life. In the upper window, there are still the granite supports for the lines used to hang out the delivery cloths. Only then would those waiting outside learn what was happening inside.

It is the oldest synagogue in Portugal and probably in western Europe. A  plain and simple house that blends in with its surroundings. It served both as a meeting place and a school for the Jewish community. It now holds a small museum chronicling the day to day life of the Jews in Castelo de Vide

Castelo de Vide has several Fountains and hot springs, its waters are said to have great healing powers. Fonte da Vila, made of granite and marble is to be found at the heart of the Jewish quarter. Not to be missed is the Fonte da Mealhada. A popular saying has it that those who drink from it will one day return to the Castelo de Vide to be married

In 1310 the castle was rebuilt in this village, by D Dinis. It has a fine view over the Spanish border, and perhaps why it was also the place where this king sealed his marriage to the Queen Isabel of Aragon

The Igreja de Santa Maria da Devesa, a baroque church that took 100 years to be completed, dominates this square.

Typical food from the Alentejo where it is worth mentioning the kid stew, migas (fried mashed bread with garlic and herbs) with spare ribs and for the most audacious sarapatel, a dish made with the insides of lamb or kid.

For a sweet temptation, head out to the Toca do Chocolate (chocolate den) at Rua Mouzinho da Silveira # 14,