Medieval Cistern

Castelo Rodrigo

This building shows the Jewish influence in Castelo Rodrigo. It may once have been a synagogue, in which part was used for worship and another as a Mikveh for ritual immersion. It is about 13 metres deep and has two entrances – one in gothic style and the other in an Arab-style horseshoe shape. The synagogue was probably destroyed when the Jews were expelled by order of King Manuel I, after which it was used as a cistern.