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several responsible for introducing a delayed Renaissance style into Portugal. The Claus-
tro Principal is arguably the country's finest expression of that style: a sober ensemble of
Greek columns and pillars, gentle arches and sinuous, spiralling staircases.
Museu Luso-Hebraico
Abraham Zacuto
(Rua Dr Joaquim Jacinto 73; 10am-7pm Tue-Sun Apr-Sep, 10am-1pm & 2-5pm Tue-Sun Oct-Mar) On a
charming cobbled lane in the old town, you'll find the country's best-preserved medieval
synagogue. Built between 1430 and 1460, it was used for only a few years before Dom
Manuel's convert-or-leave edict of 1497 forced most Jews to do the latter. The synagogue
subsequently served as prison, chapel, hayloft and warehouse until classified as a national
monument in 1921.
Mostly thanks to the efforts of Luís Vasco (often present), the small building has been
remodelled to look something like it would have in the 15th century. It's named after the
Jewish mathematician and royal astrologer who helped Vasco da Gama plan his voyages.
Inside, among various stones engraved with 13th- and 14th-century Hebraic inscriptions,
is a rose-coloured limestone block from the Great Synagogue of Lisbon, dating from
1307. An excellent personal explanation from the person on duty brings this place and its
history to life.
MUSEUM
MUSEUM
Museu dos Fósforos
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
( www.museudosfosforos.vidasmundanas.net ; Av General Bernardo Faria; 10am-5pm) This museum,
reached via the lovely courtyard of the Convento de São Francisco, contains Europe's
largest collection of matchboxes. Amassed by local 'phillumenist' Aquiles da Mota Lima,
the 40,000-plus matchboxes from countries around the world depict everything from bull-
fighters to bathing beauties, dinosaurs and French cuisine.
Aqueduto de Pegões
This impressive aqueduct, striding towards the monastery from the northwest, was
built between 1593 and 1613 to supply water to thirsty monks. Its 180 arches, some of
which are double-decker, are thought to have been designed by Italian Filippo Terzi. It's
best seen just off the Leiria road, 2.3km from town.
AQUEDUCT
Igreja de São João Baptista
CHURCH
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