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Jewish Sephardic history in Lisbon

4.8 (15)

Lisbon, PT

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Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Lisbon's Jewish community with this immersive small group tour. Wander through Shaare Tikva, Lisbon's oldest synagogue, and learn about the long and fascinating history of the Jewish people in Portugal. Explore historic areas, important memorials, and modern landmarks that highlight the thriving Jewish community of today. Delve into the story of the Jewish community's journey through lands, countries, and continents as ultimate nomads, and discover how they found their place in Portugal. From strolling through charming neighborhoods like Principe Real and Chiado to uncovering forgotten signs of the Jewish communities in Alfama, this tour offers a unique and insightful glimpse into the Jewish Sephardic history of Lisbon. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to step back in time and connect with the rich cultural heritage of Portugal's Jewish community.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Included
4 hours
Suitable for 2-15 Participants
Small Group Tour, Private Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Immerse in Jewish history and culture
Visit Lisbon's first synagogue in centuries
Explore the historic Chiado neighborhood
Learn about famous Jewish writer in oldest bookstore
Discover hidden signs of Jewish communities in Alfama.

Included

Guaranteed to skip ticket lines.
Guide will accompany you inside locations to explain its history;
Visit the sinagoga shaare tikva (from the inside only tuesdays & thursdays) and entrance fees;
Small group tour with professional guide;

Not included

Lunch and any other items not mentioned in the program

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More about this experience

Introduction

Welcome to an immersive journey through Jewish Sephardic history in Lisbon! Discover the rich culture and heritage of Lisbon's Jewish community on this small group tour. Portugal has a long and fascinating history with the Jewish people, being one of the first world powers to recognize and embrace their presence. This tour takes you on a captivating exploration of significant sites, important memorials, and landmarks that reflect the enduring influence of the Jewish community in Lisbon.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can expect to delve deep into the captivating Jewish history of Lisbon. The tour begins at Shaare Tikva, the first synagogue built in Portugal since the late 15th century. Your knowledgeable guide will share the captivating story of the Jewish community in Portugal, tracing their journey from the exodus in Egypt to their arrival in Lisbon. As you explore the city, you'll visit Principe Real, the Chiado neighborhood, Rossio Square, and the historic Igreja de Sao Domingos, where you'll gain insights into the events that shaped the Jewish community's experience. Discover hidden traces of the Jewish communities that once thrived in the Alfama neighborhood and even uncover the location of the old cemetery.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and anyone with an interest in Jewish heritage. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Jewish Sephardic history in Lisbon and gain a deeper understanding of the Jewish community's resilience and impact on the city. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone passionate about history, this tour is an inclusive experience for all who wish to explore Lisbon's vibrant Jewish heritage.

Why book this?

Embark on this historical tour to step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating Jewish Sephardic history of Lisbon. Gain fascinating insights into the significant sites, stories, and experiences that have shaped the Jewish community's presence in the city. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll uncover hidden gems, explore iconic landmarks, and discover lesser-known aspects of Jewish heritage. This tour provides a truly unique perspective on Lisbon's history, allowing you to connect with the rich cultural tapestry of the city.

Good to know

It is important to note that the tour lasts for approximately 240 minutes, ensuring you have ample time to fully immerse yourself in the experience. The starting point is in front of Shaare Tikva, Lisbon Synagogue, where your guide will meet you. The tour takes you through different neighborhoods, parks, and historical sites, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended. The end point may vary depending on the group's interests and physical capabilities, as well as weather conditions. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to explore the Jewish Sephardic history of Lisbon!

Reviews

This tour has received rave reviews from individuals who have experienced it firsthand. Travelers praised the knowledgeable and passionate guides who brought the history of Lisbon's Jewish community to life. Many expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn about the Jewish Sephardic history and gain a deeper understanding of the community's influence on the city. Overall, the tour was described as engaging, informative, and a must-do for anyone interested in Jewish heritage and history. Join this tour and be prepared to be captivated by the fascinating stories and hidden treasures of Lisbon's Jewish past.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

Meeting point

Your guide will be in front of our synagogue to meet you.

Shaare Tikvah Synagogue, R. Alexandre Herculano 59, 1250-010 Lisboa, PT

End point

NOTE: The end point may not be Alfama. It will be somewhere in Lisbon´s Old-Town. All depends on our travellers curiosity and physical capabilities. And also weather conditions ;-)

Alfama, Lisbon, PT

Your Itinerary

Sinagoga Shaare Tikva

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.

Admission Included

Principe Real

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

Bertrand

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.

Admission Included

Rossio Square

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.

Igreja de Sao Domingos (Santa Justa e Rufina)

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.

Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco)

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.

Alfama

Find the hidden and forgotten signs of the Jewish communities that lived in the Alfama neighborhood and discover where the old cemetery was.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
Participants 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!
We will need Passport details (name, number, expiry and country) at time of booking for all participants for security reasons
There is a dress code (no uncovered shoulders, shorts, mini-skirt etc.)

Reviews

(15)

4.8 (15)

Angela_V

Our guide Paul was the most passionate person in the whole universe about Portugal and Jewish history!! Make sure you ask for Paul, he’s amazing!👍👍👍

Michael_S

Paulo was knowledgeable, interesting and very passionate too. My son was totally entertained despite joining us with a bad attitude. We all had a great time and had an authentic Portuguese lunch with afterwards. Of course, it was amazing!

Doug_L

Paulo was a fantastic guide... Knew every Jewish nook in the city. Great stories...most of them true! Lol. Had a great time with him. And after a day, we pretty much knew our way around Lisbon.

Jonathan_B

Our tour guide Mr Levi was magnificent. After visiting the synagogue- the first stop- he embarked on the most passionate and informative tour we have ever been on. Not only about jewish Portugal but on Portugese history in general and how it’s intimately related to the jews. I cannot stop raving about him. Thank you

barbara_z

The information given at the Synagogue was fantastic. So much that I learned. Not much Jewish history after that…. Lots of walking without getting information about where we were going…. We thought it would be a tour so about Jewish life in Lisbon.

Jay_S

Paulo, our guide was very personable, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We weren't expecting to walk that much, but we did alright. Well worth the time and money!

BobP

Great tour! Paulo is a great guide. Very knowledgeable and really knows his stuff! Highly recommend!!

Emily L

Our guide, Paulo Levy, was wonderful. He knew and showed us every spot in Lisbon with a Jewish past. Some were hidden away, but he knew them. A highlights were the synagogue still kept alive, meeting congregants and other visitors. We learned about Jews before the Inquisition, during the Inquisition, and after. How tenacious these men and woman were in keeping the faith and rituals of our people is a lesson for Jews today who shed them so casually. Of course, so much of Lisbon has little to do with Jewish history, and we saw and heard about this too. Rating it a 10, I enthusiastically recommend this tour.

Margo T

Paolo Levy is a treasure! His insights and knowledge of the history of the Jews in Lisbon is remarkable. He took us to famous sites and out of the way ones also. The time spent with him was very worthwhile and he was most accommodating to us.

Livia L

If you want to know the story of the Jewish people of Lisbon and for that matter of Portugal just sign up for this tour and have Paolo your guide! He is full of knowledge and will show you small details you would not see on your own and he will tell you interesting facts about the past and present life of the Jewish people of beautiful Lisbon.

Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners

2024-06-16 08:19