Hervás, Medieval Jewish quarter in Hervás, Cáceres Province, Spain.
Hervás is a mountain town with a well-preserved medieval Jewish quarter where houses are built from adobe, chestnut wood, and hand-crafted roof tiles. The narrow, maze-like lanes wind between these structures and reveal how the space was organized for daily life in this remote valley setting.
The area was settled by Sephardic Jews in medieval times who built a community here until their expulsion in the 15th century. The quarter then lay largely abandoned while its buildings endured, and in 1969 it gained official recognition as a historic artistic complex.
The town reflects its medieval Jewish roots in the layout of narrow lanes and the style of houses that locals have maintained over centuries. Walking through these streets, you sense how the past shapes daily life and how residents take pride in preserving their inherited surroundings.
The town is easy to explore on foot since the lanes are narrow and relatively level, though sturdy shoes are recommended. A visitor center in town provides guidance on walking routes, places to stay, and seasonal festivals in the surrounding Ambroz Valley region.
Artisans in town still craft furniture from chestnut wood using traditional methods, representing a craft passed down through generations in this location. These workshops sit tucked into the lanes of the quarter and demonstrate how old skills remain active in contemporary times.
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