When Portugal was born in 1143, this minority was already spread across several important localities, such as Santarém, which had the oldest synagogue. The growth of the Jewish population was favored by the need to populate the land conquered from the Moors, with the synagogue serving as the commune’s government headquarters.
In the 14th century, each commune had one or more Jewish quarters, and the chief rabbi had delegated his representatives, known as “ouvidores,” in the main Jewish centers of the country: Porto (Douro and Minho Region); Torre de Moncorvo (Trás-os-Montes); Viseu (Beira); Covilhã (Beira/Serra da Estrela); Santarém (Estremadura); Évora (Alentejo); and Faro (Algarve). The “ouvidores” exercised true jurisdiction over all national Jewish communities.
The synagogue was a location of great importance from both a religious (similar to a church for Christians) and a civil perspective; it served as a gathering place for the commune’s members. The oldest synagogue in Portugal is in Tomar, featuring a roof supported by four columns representing the matriarchs of Israel: Sarah, Rachel, Rebecca, and Leah, connected by 12 arches symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel, with four terracotta pots in the corners serving as natural amplifiers. Come and discover the significance of Jewish heritage on our Jewish route in Portugal, and clear all your doubts with our assistants.
Your Arrival in Lisbon
Our Jewish Route in Portugal begins with your arrival, where during the transfer, we will provide you with tips about the city, including restaurants and other interesting locations near your hotel.
Itinerary
We start in Lisbon, exploring the old Jewish Quarter in Alfama, the oldest part of the city, filled with alleys that reflect the Arab heritage. Fado, the typical music of Portugal, was born in this neighborhood, steeped in nostalgia. We then proceed to São Jorge Castle, a remnant of Arab civilization, followed by a visit to Lisbon Cathedral, with its Romanesque architecture, where the birthplace of Saint Anthony is also located. In Baixa, we understand the importance of Pombaline architecture, which emerged after the earthquake of 1755, with new constructions designed to withstand future disasters. We cross Avenida da Liberdade to Marquês de Pombal Square and Eduardo VII Park, where we enjoy the view and discuss the historical relationship between Portugal and England. After lunch, we head to Belém, an iconic site from the Age of Discoveries, where we will visit the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Discoveries Monument, concluding with a tasting of the famous pastéis de Belém. Additionally, we can schedule a visit to the Lisbon Synagogue.
Leaving Lisbon, we go to Tomar to visit the ancient synagogue, built between 1430 and 1460, the oldest in Portugal. Next, we visit the Convent of Christ, which began as a Templar castle, representing medieval military architecture. Then, in Castelo Branco, the Jewish Memory House highlights the Jewish presence in the region and historical figures such as Amato Lusitano. Finally, we arrive in Covilhã, where the influence of Portuguese Jews is notable, including Pêro da Covilhã, who helped chart routes to India.
We start the day in Belmonte, a village with significant Jewish heritage. Although little is known about the initial presence of Jews in the region, their impact on history is undeniable, evidenced by the remnants left behind. In 1910, while demolishing the Church of St. Francis, a stone from the first synagogue in Belmonte, dating back to 1297, was discovered. This indicates that the Jewish community was significant, justifying the need for a place of worship. We will visit the synagogue and the Jewish Museum. Then we continue our route to Guarda, where the Jewish community was one of the most important and ancient in the country.
We start the day in Lamego, where the Jewish community established itself between the castle and the Church of Santa Maria de Almacave since the 14th century. In the following century, there were two Jewish neighborhoods. We proceed to the Douro Valley, famous for Port wine. We will visit the viewpoint at Casal de Loivos for breathtaking views and the Pinhão station, known for its tile panels depicting wine production. The region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Finally, we will visit a winery to understand the wine production process, from cultivation to tasting.
A day spent in the city of Porto, which has had various Jewish quarters since the beginning of Portuguese nationality. In 1386, King João I ordered Jews to be concentrated in the Olival neighborhood, within the medieval walls. We begin our tour at Casa da Música, an amphitheater of modern architecture, and continue to Matosinhos and Foz, where the upper-middle class resides. An important site is the Holocaust Museum, the only one of its kind in Portugal and Spain, which recounts the experiences of many Jews in the city. In downtown Porto, we visit Avenida dos Aliados, with the city hall and the statue of Dom Pedro I, and the beautiful São Bento Station, famous for its tiles depicting the history of Portugal. The bustling Rua de Santa Catarina is home to Café Majestic, an iconic café from the “Belle Époque.” We will also visit Livraria Lello, renowned for its beauty and as an inspiration for Harry Potter, followed by Porto Cathedral and the Stock Exchange Palace. After crossing the D. Luis Bridge, we arrive in Gaia, where we will visit a Port wine cellar and the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, which offers stunning views of the city and the mouth of the Douro River. There is also the option, upon reservation, to visit the Porto Synagogue.
Leaving Porto, we head to Aveiro, known as the “Portuguese Venice,” famous for its canals that once transported salt. We explore the historic center, filled with Art Nouveau buildings, including the market designed by Gustave Eiffel. We will have time to taste the traditional “ovos moles” and, if desired, take a ride on a moliceiro boat. Next, we arrive in Nazaré, where we can see fish drying on the beach and the women in “seven skirts.” Nazaré is famous for its giant waves, especially after the world record set in 2013 by surfer McNamara. Finally, we visit Óbidos, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we explore its narrow whitewashed streets. The village, which was a gift from King Dinis to Queen Isabel, has a rich history linked to the Templars and the House of Queens.
