Coimbra and Belmonte

I’m curious as the addition of Belmonte. It is one of the 12 Historic Villages of Portugal but I was pretty underwhelmed by it compared to some of the others. I can’t remember how far it is from Coimbra but add a fair amount of time to anything you find that gives driving times. In Portugal, the estimates aren’t that accurate.

Hi Kathryn,
Belmonte had a big Jewish community with important Jewish history. I want to visit the Jewish Museum and synagogue.
I was thinking of staying at the Pousada Convento de Belmonte. We will not be renting a car but using the bus to get there. With that information, do you have other suggestions?
Also, what are the other historic towns that you inferred about?
Thanks.
Madeline

We have reservations at Hotel Mondego for later this year. From Coimbra, Belmonte is a 2-2.5 hours drive. For the amount of time you’d spend there, I don’t see a day trip from Coimbra as being the best use of your time, especially since you’re traveling by public transportation. An overnight might be better.

Especially if you don’t have a car, I don’t think Belmonte is a viable day trip from Coimbra. I was aware of the Jewish history there but when I was there, everything was closed. I don’t think there is enough in Belmonte to warrant more than one night.

I was also going to recommend Julie Dawn Fox as a resource for some of the smaller towns in Portugal. While in Coimbra, be sure to go out to Conimbriga. It’s the ruins of a Roman town with amazingly intact mosaic floors.

Lisbon has some significant Jewish history. I’m not that familiar but am thinking you can do a bit of research and find at least a few historical sites in Lisbon.

I haven't been there yet, but there are some Jewish Heritage tours right in Porto. Also Lisbon, if you are going there. I know it's not the same as the place you asked, but certainly easier to access since you are traveling without a car.

I thank everyone for their responses.