Discover the rich history of Lisbon’s Jewish community on a historical tour. Explore ancient neighborhoods, learn about Sephardic influence, and visit the Lisbon Museum.
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte - Lisbon, with its rich tapestry of history spanning over three millennia, has been deeply influenced by the presence of Sephardic Jews. This tour invites you to explore the unique identity that Jews in Lisbon developed, becoming part of a sophisticated society of intellectuals, mathematicians, and cabalists during the Renaissance.
Begin your journey at one of Lisbon’s highest hills, offering a perfect viewpoint to observe and comprehend the city. From this vantage point, you will see the old neighborhoods, magnificent monuments, and the stunningly vibrant colors of Lisbon. Here, you will gain an understanding of the city’s evolution and the significant dimensions of its Jewish quarters.
- Alfama - Next, come with us and visit Alfama, the second oldest district in Europe, where the physical signs of Jewish presence still linger. This area, with its narrow streets and ancient buildings, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Jewish community in Lisbon.
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Cidade Baixa - You’ll explore the remnants of what was once known as “Small Jerusalem,” the largest Jewish quarter in Europe before it was devastated by the 1755 earthquake. Despite the destruction, traces of its rich history remain visible.
Throughout the tour, you’ll hear about how Crypto Judaism became an integral part of Portuguese identity, with Jews practicing their faith in secret for centuries. The tour will also touch upon Lisbon’s role during World War II, when it became a sanctuary for European Jews seeking refuge from the horrors of the Holocaust. - Museu do Dinheiro - A visit to the Money Museum reveals a medieval wall that holds 1000 years of secrets. This stop will provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, uncovering stories that have shaped Lisbon’s Jewish heritage.
Continue your journey with a walk through the area that once housed the smallest Jewish quarter. This stroll will immerse you in ancient memories and the daily life of the Jewish community that once thrived here.
- Chiado - In the Chiado district, you’ll learn about the most influential Jewish families of the Portuguese Kingdom. Chiado, with its blend of historical and modern elements, provides a perfect backdrop for these compelling stories.
- Largo de Sao Domingos - At Rossio Square, delve into the dark history of the Portuguese Inquisition. You’ll learn about its operations and the events that led to the establishment of a Jewish Memorial here, one of the most significant sites in Portuguese Jewish history.
- Carmo Archaeological Museum - Visit the Carmo Museum, dating back to the 14th-15th centuries, where you’ll see old Jewish archaeological finds. This museum offers a tangible connection to the Jewish past and a deeper understanding of the community’s contributions to Portuguese society. The artifacts and exhibits here highlight the everyday life and spiritual practices of Lisbon’s Jewish population, providing a profound insight into their enduring legacy.
- Entrance fees to two museums are included
- Driver/guide (full time trip leader)
- Private Tour in Air Conditioned Mini Van
- Fresh water
- Pick-up and drop-off available from Lisbon central hotels or Lisbon Cruise Terminal
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities are not included.
- The Carmo Archaeological Museum is closed on Sundays.
- The Money Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Lisbon’s Jewish heritage goes back to the beginnings of the city foundation. Take a journey through Sephardic Heritage.
Lisbon, with its rich tapestry of history spanning over three millennia, has been deeply influenced by the presence of Sephardic Jews. This tour invites you to explore the unique identity that Jews in Lisbon developed, becoming part of a sophisticated society of intellectuals, mathematicians, and cabalists during the Renaissance.
This tour of Jewish Lisbon is more than a historical journey; it is a tribute to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Jewish community. As you walk through the city, you’ll discover how the Jewish heritage is interwoven with Lisbon’s fabric, leaving an indelible mark on its identity. Come and uncover the stories, secrets, and rich history of Jewish Lisbon, a city that has been a beacon of hope and a center of cultural flourishing for centuries.
Discover Lisbon Sephardic history in this unforgettable tour
- Adult pricing applies to all travellers.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking. Portuguese law stipulates that children under 12 years of age and 135 cm in height, when transported in a car with safety belts, must travel in an approved restraint system adapted to their size and weight. Please let us know if you have children and their ages.
- Dress code is smart casual, recommended comfortable clothing and shoes.
- No smoking or eating inside the vehicle.
- The baggage is limited to one standard suitcase per person.
- Not recommended for travellers with mobility issues. The tour is done by car but it involves walking around Alfama. The floor is uneven.
- The Carmo Archaeological Museum is closed on Sundays and the Money Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
