Almeida

Almeida is a municipality with a long borderline. It has proven to be the most important one in the entire Iberian Peninsula in welcoming refugees, as occurred in the 15th century after the expulsion of the Jews of Castile and, more recently, in the 20th century during the Second World War. During these two periods, the Vilar Formoso border save about 200,000 lives.

In 1492, it was one of the five main official crossing points of the Jews expelled from Castile and it is estimated that 35,000 people went through here. Many of these formed a camp near the area of Vilar Formoso ending up settling in the border towns of Almeida.

The Jewish quarters of Almeida's village is well documented, just like Castelo Mende, a village part of the municipality of Almeida. Several council buildings have cabinets that may have been used as Hejal in hidden, concealed synagogues. The best known is Malhada Sorda, known as the Clock House and more recently as Esnoga - Esnoga de Malhada Sorda. Today it is a museum.

The Memorial to the Refugees and Consul Aristides de Sousa Mendes deserves a visit for all those who want to know more about the refugees of Second World War.