Like all Beira towns, Covilhã had a Jewry at the centre of the medieval town which, at the time Jews were forced to convert, was divided into three areas and had a synagogue. During the final years of the 15th century, there were over 400 Jews living at this important mountain town and they worked in craft trades, mercantile labours and medical professions.
In the wool city, Jews and New Christians were closely connected with the development of the wool industry and some members of this community stood out during the Age of Discovery. Two of them were Master José Vizinho and Francisco Faleiro, renowned Covilhã cosmographers.