Trancoso, a former frontier town with a thousand-year-old castle and Mozarabic tower, holds deep Jewish heritage and rich medieval history. Its interpretation centres, cultural events, accessibility improvements and free public Wi-Fi support its role as a vibrant Historic Village of Portugal.
Community characteristics
Its thousand-year-old castle preserves one of the oldest Mozarabic towers. It was a frontier town, the scene of several battles that marked the birth and independence of the Kingdom of Portugal. It received important royal privileges and was the site of a royal wedding in the 13th century. As a result of its long and rich history, it is home to a number of important interpretation centres that give it an important educational and cultural role, with a varied programme of events.
Community strengths and smartness
The Historical Village of Trancoso is still a land of Jewish legacy which, in addition to the countless marks, rituals and traditions that are still evident in this area, includes the Isaac Cardoso Jewish Culture Interpretation Centre, with the first replica of a Sephardic synagogue in Portugal; and the Bandarra House, the first monument with a cultural interpretation character. The Historic Village of Trancoso has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.
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