“In 1386, King João I ordered all Jews to the Olival quarter.” Can you imagine life confined within these medieval walls? The story of Olival in Porto is intertwined with the history of its Jewish community.
Olival became the designated Jewish quarter. It was a consequence of a royal decree. This quarter was not just any location. It was strategically positioned. It abutted two significant gates of the medieval wall. These were the Olival gate and the Esnoga Stairs.
The Jewish quarter of Olival offered safety. It brought together Jews scattered across the city. The area was enclosed. Fences had two access points. One led to the Olival. The other went to the Esnoga Stairs.
Where we stand was once an olive grove. It was transformed into a residential area. The streets of São Bento da Vitória and São Miguel formed its main axis. The synagogue was at the center. This district became known as the Judiaria Nova do Olival.
During medieval times, Porto was a vital hub. It was one of seven Jewish autonomous justice centers. This one was known as Entre Douro e Minho. The synagogue was where the São Bento da Vitória convent stands today.
The community expanded with newcomers. Thirty families arrived from Castille. They sought refuge after being banished. However, their peace was short-lived. The edict of 1496 forced conversion or expulsion.
Notable figures emerged from this community. Immanuel Aboab, a writer from Porto, often reminisced. He recalled childhood prayers at this synagogue. He was the great-grandchild of Isaac Aboab. Isaac negotiated the arrival of Castilian families.
Other distinguished personalities include philosopher Uriel da Costa. Jacob Tirado founded the Sephardic Community of Amsterdam. Samuel da Silva was a doctor in Hamburg. Abraham Pharar was a rabbi and poet. Bento Teixeira was a Luso-Brazilian poet.
After the Jewish quarter’s extinction, changes occurred. Houses of Jews refusing conversion were given to old Christians. Many homes now occupied by new Christians received alterations. Cruciform marks were engraved on door posts. These Christian symbols replaced the mezuzah.
The Monastery of São Bento da Vitória was constructed. It was built on the former Jewish quarter’s land. The synagogue was transformed. It became the Nossa Senhora da Vitória Church.
The secret synagogue here was rediscovered. It’s located at numbers 9-11. Its Hejal is preserved and can be visited. The community paved the Rua de São Miguel.
Olival’s story reflects resilience and transformation. It reveals a community’s enduring spirit. Its legacy persists in Porto’s cultural narrative.