Jewish Sephardic history in Lisbon

Explore the history and culture of our Jewish community during this small group tour in Lisbon. Portugal was one of the first world powers to recognize the Jewish people, and has served as an important home for the community ever since. You will stop by historic areas, important memorials, and landmarks, especially the Shaare Tikva, Lisbon’s synagogue, to learn about the history of various religions in the city.

1. 1

   Lisbon

   2 min

   Please note the following: There are very few visible landmarks connected to Lisbon’s Jewish historical presence, as much of this part of the city was completely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. For this reason, visitors will not find many surviving Jewish sites today. Most of the Lisbon we see now was rebuilt after 1755, with only a small number of buildings surviving the earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent fires. In addition, the centuries of the Holy Inquisition also contributed to the destruction or transformation of many Jewish symbols, sites, and locations. So, please do not expect to see monuments, or sites in Lisbon. During the tour, your guide will take you to the areas where Jewish communities once lived, providing historical context and explaining their significance on site.

2. 2

   Sinagoga Shaare Tikva

   45 min

   The start of the tour will be at the Shaare Tikva, Lisbon Synagogue, the 1st synagogue to be built in Portugal since the late 15th century. Learn the story of the Jewish community in Portugal (specially Lisbon) on this tour, visiting significant sites to the community in the Portuguese capital. Since the Jewish exodus from Egypt, and the journey through lands, countries, and continents as the ultimate nomads, they reached what is nowadays Portugal. Learn how communities appeared, disappeared, and reappeared; belonging everywhere and yet nowhere.

3. 3

   Principe Real

   15 min

   From the synagogue we walk through the Principe Real Park down to the Chiado neighborhood.

4. 4

   Praca do Comercio

   30 min

   In the Baixa neighborhood you will walk to the biggest square in Portugal, Terreiro do Paco, modernly known as Praca do Comercio. Here you will be explained a few very important situations that changed the history of Portugal.

5. 5

   Praca Dom Pedro IV

   45 min

   Walk to the center of the Holy Inquisition, the Rossio Square. Column of Pedro IV In the centre of Rossio Square sits the Column of Pedro IV of Portugal, known as “the Soldier King”. At the base of the pillar are four female figures that represent the King’s various qualities: Justice, Wisdom, Strength and Moderation. The D. Maria II National Theatre was founded in 1842, replacing the "Estaus Palace", that was headquarters of the Portuguese Inquisition since mid-fifteenth century.

6. 6

   Igreja De S Domingos

   15 min

   Passing by the sight of the April 19th, 1506 Lisbon Massacre, you will learn what happened and why. From this day, and during the next 3, more than 3000 "New Christians" where murdered in the streets only being stopped by the Kings Royal Army. The epicenter, being the Sao Domingo Church.

7. 7

   Bertrand

   15 min

   Reaching Chiado, you will learn about a very famous Jewish writer and see one curiosity in the oldest bookstore of the world, since 1732, founded by Pedro Faure.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• We are only able to visit the inside of our synagogue on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.