The synagogue of Tomar is the only Hebrew temple of Gothic style in the country. The quadrangular plan and the vaulted roof, based on columns and corbels embedded in the walls, indicate oriental influences . It was built in the middle of the XV century and closed in 1496, when the Jews were expelled from Portugal.
From its closure until its acquisition by Samuel Schwarz, it had several uses. Is was a prison , and catholic chapel ( in the 17th century it is referred to as the Hermitage of S. Bartolomeu) as well as a haystack, barn , grocery store and a warehouse. Only in 1921 would it regain its lost dignity , when it was classified as National Monument.
Samuel Schwarz, a Polish Jew and a researcher of the Hebrew culture, saved it from complete decay by acquiring it in 1923 to donate it in 1939 to the Portuguese state to install the Luso Hebrew Museum Abraão Zacuto.
Excavations in 1985 brought to light water heating structures and basins, thus proving the existence of a room for purifying baths.
From its closure until its acquisition by Samuel Schwarz, it had several uses. Is was a prison , and catholic chapel ( in the 17th century it is referred to as the Hermitage of S. Bartolomeu) as well as a haystack, barn , grocery store and a warehouse. Only in 1921 would it regain its lost dignity , when it was classified as National Monument.
Samuel Schwarz, a Polish Jew and a researcher of the Hebrew culture, saved it from complete decay by acquiring it in 1923 to donate it in 1939 to the Portuguese state to install the Luso Hebrew Museum Abraão Zacuto.
Excavations in 1985 brought to light water heating structures and basins, thus proving the existence of a room for purifying baths.
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