Belmonte is a town in Beira Baixa, Portugal.

Understand

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

• 1 Posto de Turismo (Tourist Information Office), Castelo de Belmonte, ☏ +351 275 911 488, info.serradaestrela@turismodocentro.pt. 09:30–12:30 & 14:30–17:30 daily. (updated Aug 2021)

Get in

• 1 Estação Ferroviária de Belmonte-Manteigas (Belmonte-Manteigas Railway Station). PDF timetable. Belmonte is served by Intercity and Regional trains on the Beira Baixa line from Lisbon, Covilhã, Guarda, and Castelo Branco. (updated Dec 2021)

Long-distance bus service is available from Rede Expressos.

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

See

• 1 Castle of Belmonte. The Castle of Belmonte is a 13th-century medieval castle. (updated Mar 2021)
• 2 Museu Judaico de Belmonte (Jewish Museum of Belmonte), Rua da Portela 4, ☏ +351 275 088 698, empds.belmonte@gmail.com. 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. (updated Mar 2021)
• 3 Sinagoga Bet Eliahu (House of Elijah Synagogue), Rua Fonte Rosa, ☏ +351 876 976 973. (updated Mar 2021)
• 4 Torre de Centocelas (Centum Cellas). Ruins of a 1st-century rustic Roman villa. (updated Aug 2021)

Eat

• 1 Restaurante O Brasão, Largo Afonso Costa 15, ☏ +351 965 283 179, geral@obrasao.com. (updated May 2021)

Sleep

• 1 Pousada Convento Belmonte, Convento de Belmonte, Serra da Esperança Apartado 76, ☏ +351 275 910 300, reservas@conventodebelmonte.pt. 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.