Golden walls in Castelo de Vide

Castelo de Vide was a surprise. We had a good stroll in this little town in Alto Alentejo full of exquisite corners, perfect to spy on the landscape ahead. Contrary to Marvão, this town was burst with life. In there we could smell culture and tradition, and good food. There is a judiaria (jewish quarter) as jews lived in Castelo de Vide since the 15th century when expelled from the Spanish inquisition. They were involved in activities such as commerce, crafts, and medicine. We almost could feel their presence and many signs could be seen, as well as architecture and even a sinagogue. After the expulsion order promulgated in 1496 by King Manuel I of Portugal, many Jewish families left Castelo de Vide, while others were allowed to stay, provided they converted to Christianity. This was a dark period of our story and of the story of the peninsula. How many families had to live and were persecuted and how many brains were lost to other countries with this expulsion. The dark ages of intolerance and ignorance, which are coming back again...