Historical Archives | World Jewish Travel

Jewish Heritage of Portugal 2-Day Private Driving & Walking Tour

Discover Portugal’s most important Jewish sights in 2 days

The entire country of Portugal still retains remnants of what was once the largest Jewish population in the world after 1492. Today, the customs and influences of the Jewish people are still deeply infused in Portuguese culture. Traveling between Lisbon and Porto, we visit the most well-preserved and significant Jewish heritage sites. Along the way, there are picturesque stone villages, cultural diversions, and time to enjoy local foodstuffs while meeting locals and members of these remote Jewish communities, who have managed to survive over the centuries in secret.

Day 1

Departing from Lisbon, we arrive at the village of Tomar to discover the best-preserved medieval Synagogue and Mikvah of Portugal. Built in 1430 for the thriving Jewish community that once existed here. Inside, we find an eclectic museum and ingenious ancient acoustic engineering.

Our next stop is the riverfront town of Coimbra and the country’s former capital. Here, we explore the narrow old streets of the former medieval Jewish quarter and the historic University of Coimbra. The university, founded in 1290 by King Dinis, is one of the oldest universities in the world. Here, you will learn about famous Portuguese Jewish scholars whose contributions laid the groundwork for the empire. The university is also renowned for its baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina, which can be toured in place of the former Jewish quarter.

After a lunch break, we arrive in Porto for a visit to the largest Synagogue in the Iberian Peninsula. Its construction was made possible by the heroic Captain de Barros Basto (often described as “The Dreyfuss of Portugal”) and recently depicted in the historical, dramatic film “Sefarad.”

Day 2

From Porto, we head to the remote village of Trancoso, which is famous for its walls and doors adorned with stone carvings of New Christians, “Cristãos-novos” (forced converts after 1498). Nowadays, Trancoso’s Jewish and New Christian Heritage still lives in the preserved documents, local traditions, and architecture such as the Casa de Gato Preto House (Black Cat House), Poço do Mestre (Master’s Well), and many other dwellings. Inside the recently constructed Isaac Cardoso Jewish Cultural Center and Bandarra House, we discover the shoemaker, poet, and Portuguese Nostradamus who inspired Messianic thinking in Portuguese culture.

We have a lunch break before exploring the famous village of Belmonte. A Jewish community that survived in secrecy for centuries by maintaining a tradition of endogamy and hiding all the external signs of their faith until they were discovered in the 20th century. Belmonte’s Jewish community has a new synagogue and Jewish museum, Judaica shops, and kosher food items that have won gastronomy awards.

Major Highlights

Museu Luso-Hebraico de Abraão Zacuto: The Tomar Synagogue and Mikvah Museum.
Tomar Jewish Quarter: Walk the cobbled streets of Tomar’s former Jewish Quarter.
Coimbra Biblioteca, or Jewish Quarter: Choose a visit to The Biblioteca Joanina or a walk through the medieval Jewish Quarter.
Porto Jewish Quarter: A walk through the remains of Porto’s small Jewish quarter.
Kadoorie, Mekor H’aim- Fountain of Life Synagogue: The largest Synagogue in Iberia, with stunning decorative tiles.
Trancoso: Walk the remote stone village with secret stone carvings of the Jews who were forced to convert.
Beit Mayim Hayim – House of Living Waters: A modern synagogue housed inside the Isaac Cardoso Center for Jewish Interpretation.
Belmonte Jewish Quarter: Visit old streets where the surviving Jewish community resides today.
Beit Eliahu Synagogue: Built in 1998 for the surviving Jewish community of Belmonte.
Museu Judaico, Centro do Estudos Judaicos Adriano Vasco Rodrigues: The small but important Belmonte Jewish Museum.

Jewish Lisbon Private Walking Tour

Experience the major sights of Lisbon from a Jewish perspective

Join the only Jewish guide in Portugal and visit the major sights of historic Lisbon. Along the way, you will discover artifacts, inscriptions, and monuments that no other Jewish tour of Lisbon can access.

In May of 2012, a sensational discovery by Archaeologists of Jena University revealed Hebrew inscriptions on a stone that points to the Jewish people residing in Portugal as early as 390 C.E. However, some Biblical Archaeologists believe that Tartessian texts found in Southern Portugal in 1922 suggest a Jewish presence dating to the time of King Solomon.

Walking through the quaint side streets of Lisbon, your guide and historian will explain these recent findings and unveil hidden elements in the architecture, explaining the influence of great Jewish sages like Abravanel, a philosopher and statesman, and Abraham Zacuto, who altered the course of the Age of Discovery. Throughout history, the Jews of Portugal held social and political ranks in favor of kings and maintained conciliatory relations with both Muslims and Christians. However, these periods were equally marked by inquisitions, forced baptisms, and brutal massacres, which have been overlooked in many historical references.

On this tour, you will discover the incredible story of Crypto-Jews (Cristão-Novos), a distinctive subgroup of Sephardim in Portugal who survived over 400 years of persecution in secret. At the site of the Inquisitor’s Palace, discover little-known facts about the Portuguese Inquisition and the controversy surrounding the Marquis of Pombal, whose authority both destroyed Jewish heritage and saved lives.

Discover from one of the scenic viewpoints over the city the deportation point during WWII, where thousands of Jewish refugees escaped Nazi persecution, among them famous names like Marc Chagall, Max Ernst, and many others who contributed to the arts, sciences, and politics of the world stage. Learn about Portugal’s own Oskar Schindler, a righteous gentile who is responsible for the single largest rescue mission of WWII, defying state orders to save thousands feeling the horrors of the 3rd Reich.

Beyond the former Jewish quarters, stories and artifacts festooned around the city offer a deeper understanding of the Early Modern Diaspora, the Passover Massacre, Crypto-Jewish practices, and famous Jewish families associated with Portugal.

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Please be aware of other Jewish tours led by guides with similar-sounding names. There is only one authorized Jewish guide in Portugal, and he works exclusively with us here at Lisbon Explorer.

Prague Jewish Quarter Tour

We begin our tour in the Maisel Synagogue to get acquainted with the history of Czech Jews that dates back to the 10th century. We will visit the Pinkas Synagogue, which was turned into the Holocaust Memorial, walk through the Old Jewish Cemetery with the oldest grave from the 15th century, and learn about the customs and traditions of local Ashkenazi Jews in the Klaus Synagogue. Then we take a look at the historical Jewish Town Hall and admire the beautiful Spanish synagogue built in the Moorish style. These sights form the Jewish Museum. Apart from the museum, you can also visit the oldest active synagogue in Europe, called the Old-New Synagogue, built more than 700 years ago and used by the local Orthodox community.

Duration 3-4 hours.

Barcelona Jewish Tour

Jewish history in Spain begins in ancient times when Jews migrated to this land during the Roman Empire. Its peak was in the 13th century, during the Islamic era, a period characterized by intellectual, spiritual, religious, and economic flourishing, known as the Golden Age. Important rabbis served in key roles and influenced Spanish society and history as a whole.

The Jewish Quarter in Barcelona is called “Call,” and although there is no Jewish community in the area today, the narrow streets tell their stories of generations. Some say that if one puts their ear to the walls of the Jewish Quarter and concentrates, they can hear the vibrant sounds of Jewish life that once thrived here. In our tour, “The Jewish Story,” we will wander among the streets, learn about the Jewish history in Spain in general and Barcelona in particular, see the ancient synagogue, the King’s Square where the famous debate of the Ramban took place, Jewish tombstones, mezuzah niches on the houses, the Jewish museum, the Mikveh, Chabad House, and many more surprises.

York Jewish Walking Tours

Join us on our free 2-hour walking tour and explore York’s forgotten Jewish history with our passionate and knowledgeable guides. Learn about the city’s Jewish heritage and revival efforts while experiencing the vibrant modern cultural scene. From Clifford’s Tower to the famous York Minster, this tour has it all!

Terezin ghetto + Concentration Camp

Our tour team,led by renowned historian Pavel Batel, offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking to understand the profound history of Jewish history and the Holocaust. For over 20 years, we have specialized in guiding visitors through Terezín, an important historical site that bears witness to the atrocities of the Holocaust. Our expert-led tours take visitors through the somber and powerful history of Terezín, shedding light on the stories that have been forgotten.

In addition to our tours, we are committed to bringing the story of Terezín to a global audience. From Asia to the United States, our lectures and presentations reach individuals and communities, sharing the deep and moving narratives of Terezín’s past.

Our mission is clear: to present the forgotten stories of the Holocaust to the world, to educate and enlighten, and to ensure that the voices of those who suffered are heard for generations to come. Join us on a journey through history and witness the extraordinary expertise of Pavel Batel and our dedicated team of historians and guides. Together, we aim to keep the spirit of Terezín alive and honor the memory of those who endured its horrors.

Terezin

Visit Terezín with Pavel Batel’s Team – Terezín is a key missing link in understanding the Holocaust, and our extensive research uncovers the untold stories that are crucial to this history. We offer private and semi-private tours, as well as tailor-made excursions designed for groups of students and other organizations. Our tours provide first-hand information drawn directly from our research, ensuring a unique, in-depth experience that brings history to life through the eyes of dedicated experts.

Dubrovnik Jewish Heritage Tour

Dubrovnik Jewish Heritage Walking Tour

Join us for a two-hour walking tour through Dubrovnik’s fascinating Jewish history. Discover the stories of one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe as we explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town, its landmarks, and hidden corners that shaped Jewish life here.

The highlight of the tour is a visit to Dubrovnik’s historic Sephardic synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in Europe, where you’ll gain insight into centuries-old traditions, artifacts, and stories of resilience. This tour provides a meaningful look at Dubrovnik’s unique Jewish heritage and its cultural impact on the city.

Delhi Jewish Heritage Explored

This tour takes you through historic jewish sites of Delhi, Like: a Jewish Synagogue, Jewish cemetery and a Jewish Cafe “Chabad house” visited by Jewish tavellers visiting Delhi. Jewish presence in Delhi goes back many centuries, even before the colonial British rule. When the Imperial British capital of India shifted to Delhi, Jews served in many key infrastructural sectors, like railways, defence, medicine and central government services. Note: Access to Synagogue and Chabad house is reserved solely for Jewish Community due to safety and security purposes

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Post Tour Tag: Historical