A town in north-west Portugal, Viana do Castelo is renowned for its crafts and costumes.
Situated close to the River Lima and less than 60 kilometres from Porto, it quickly became an important maritime and commercial centre, with links to both South America and Northern Europe. This was followed by the development of the fishing industry and numerous craft-related activities. These were areas in which the Jewish inhabitants also took part, contributing to the development of Viana.
The Jewish quarter was located near today’s Praca da Republica, where the old town hall still stands. It was home to refugees from the Spanish Inquisition fleeing Aragon.
Sources : Encyclopaedia Judaica