Adriano Vasco Rodrigues, historian and former Civil Governor of Guarda, passed away on January 22 in Porto.

A renowned researcher, historian, and anthropologist, Rodrigues made significant contributions to Jewish studies and was the first president of the Portugal-Israel Friendship Association. He played a pivotal role in strengthening the ties between the two nations and, during critical and challenging times, defended Israel with unparalleled dedication.

A true friend of the Jewish people, Rodrigues was instrumental in establishing Portugal's first Jewish museum, which opened in Belmonte in April 2005. The museum showcases over a hundred pieces donated by Rodrigues and the family of his wife, Maria da Assunção Carqueja Rodrigues.

Born in Guarda on May 4, 1928, Adriano Vasco Rodrigues was a man of culture who excelled in history, archaeology, ethnography, and education. He also played significant roles in politics and public administration.

Among his most notable works are The Cathedral of Guarda in History and Poetry (1953), Archaeological Surveys in the Region of Longroiva (1954), Archaeological Subsidies for the History of Celorico da Beira (1956), Artistic Monograph of the City of Guarda (1957), Historical Retrospective of the Municipalities of Meda, Longroiva and Marialva (1976), Celorico da Beira and Linhares: Historical and Artistic Monograph (1979), Lands of Meda: Nature and Culture (1983), Guarda - Prehistory, History and Art (Monograph) (2001), and Salvador de Nascimento: A Life - An Ideal (2005).

Rodrigues edited Altitude Magazine, published by the Guarda District Assembly, and began teaching in 1951 after completing his studies at the Porto Primary School. He initially worked as a primary school teacher before earning a degree in Historical and Philosophical Sciences from the University of Coimbra in 1956. He also completed a course in Pedagogical Sciences and specialized in Medieval Art History at the University of Santiago de Compostela, where he studied Spanish Language and Culture.

In Angola (1965–1969), Rodrigues served as Deputy Provincial Inspector of Education, promoting teacher training and organizing the Archaeology section of the Angola Museum. Together with his wife, he produced the first Prehistoric Map of Angola. From 1969 to 1974, he was rector and organizer of the Liceu-Piloto Garcia de Orta.

Rodrigues held prominent roles in public administration and politics, including serving as an independent member of the Portuguese Parliament for the CDS-PP (1976–1982), Civil Governor of Guarda (1982–1983), and Director-General of Private and Cooperative Education (1983–1986). In 1988, he became Director of the Schola Europaea in Belgium, a European Union institution, where he remained until 1996.

At Portucalense University, starting in 1997, Rodrigues conducted research and taught courses in African Art, Numismatics, History of Religions, and Antiquities.

His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal from the Porto City Council (1994), the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator from President Jorge Sampaio (1996), and the Medal of Merit from the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda and the City Council's Gold Medal (2009).

A kind and just man, wise and refined, Rodrigues leaves behind a legacy of scholarship and service, as well as cherished memories among the many friends he made throughout his long and fruitful life.

His funeral will take place on Friday, January 24, at 10:30 AM. His body will lie in state starting at 11:00 AM tomorrow at the Church of Christ the King in Porto.

May his soul be bound in the bundle of the living.