Jewish Sephardic history in Lisbon
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
From the synagogue we walk through the Principe Real Park down to the Chiado neighborhood.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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!
- 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(55)
Pablo was an amazing tour guide! His passion for Jewish history, combined with his love and passion for Portugal and Portuguese history, was contagious. I learned more than I ever thought I could in a few hours. The tour gave me a deep connection to and appreciation for Portugal. I would highly recommend this tour. It is important to see the Synagogue in Lisboa, but that was just the start. His walking tour around the city was extensive, comprehensive, and inspiring. It gave me a real love for the city, the country, and its long, long Jewish history.
Paolo was an amazing, knowledgeable, engaging and fabulous guide with a wealth of knowledge about the history of the Jews in Portugal and Lisboa. We learned so much from him, and can’t wait to share with family and friends! Kol hacavod, Paolo!
Paolo was an amazing guide knowledge about the Jewish and Christian history of the area. he provided us with so much information that was new to us. The synagogue was beautiful and Sandra provided a good overview of the history of the synagogue and the Jewish population of Portugal
Paulo was very enthusiastic, passionate and knowledgeable about his Jewish past and about the Jewish history of Lisboa. He was very patient, and personable.
Extremely informative overview of the history of the Jewish Community of Lisboa and the First Synagogue built for its study and prayer. Paolo was enthusiastic to share his perspectives, and there is likely no one with more pride for the culture and lore of Portugal and its Jewish citizens. He was very generous with his time and insights.
My husband and I took the Lisboa tour with Paulo Levy Monday March 16. We can’t say enough nice things about our tour experience. Paulo is a wonderful ambassador for Lisboa. He is knowledgeable about history and current events. We requested more in depth information about the Jewish people in Lisboa, and we visited the Sinagoga Shaare Tikva which was built in 1902. A must see landmark. We walked a few hours through several neighborhoods immersing in everyday Lisboa life with Paulo’s verbal contributions enhancing our understanding. We look forward to sharing our new knowledge with friends and family to encourage them to visit Lisboa and enjoy Paulo Ley’s walking tour.
Paolo was a wealth of knowledge, we learned so much about the city and the Jewish influences in our history and were impressed and delighted at all the local shop owners that appreciate the guests Paolo brings- the time is worth the hours if you have this time.
This was a wonderful walking tour that included a visit to Shaare Tikvah Synagogue and a tour of what used to be the Jewish quarter. Our guide, Paulo Levy, a native of Lisboa, was an excellent source of information about the history of Jewish life in Lisboa.. In addition, we learned many interesting facts about Portuguese culture.
we loved it, the guide was great, I will recommend it to everybody. we learned some new things we didn't know
We were expertly guided by Paulo who shared his personal experiences and insights into Portugal’s Jewish history. He had many interesting facts to share while showing us through his beloved Lisboa. We were a bit rushed as the tour had to take place in the afternoon rather than the morning due to an event at the synagogue. With earlier sunset it felt we had to rush through the tour. But he made sure we got to see everything.
