Portugal has one of the most important and relevant Jewish Legacy Heritage in the world.
Even before Portugal was founded as a country (1143), the Jewish communities already existed and settled here in the country.
They have been always integrated into the locals, going along the last period of the Roman Empire, through the Moorish Occupation (800-1100 AC).
Going through the Spanish Inquisition (1478), thousands of Jews escaped from Spain to Portugal. And with that, they settled in multiple regions across the border with Spain, with permission of the Portuguese King at the time. They settled over the centuries, but not before having to go through the Portuguese Inquisition as well.
Later, during WWII, Portugal kept neutral, and helped thousands of Jews to escape from Germany to Portugal, for a safe harbour.
Most of these places can be visited today, with plenty of history to learn.
Here is a list of some of the most important places with relevant Jewish Heritage in Portugal:
- Lisbon (including the Jewish Quarter of Alfama)
- Porto (including the Jewish Quarter of Olival)
- Tomar (including Jewish Quarter and the Synagogue Museum)
- Belmonte (including the Jewish Quarter of Belmonte and Synagogue, Jewish Museum, etc)
- Castelo de Vide (including Jewish Quarter and Synagogue/Museum)
- Trancoso (including Jewish Quarter and Isaac Cardoso Interpretation Centre)
- Vilar Formoso (including Fronteira da Paz Museum / Escape Routes from WWII)
- Marvao / Portagem (including the famous Roman Bridge and the Escape Route from Spain)
- Guarda (including the Jewish Quarter)
- Castelo Branco (including the Jewish Quarter and Jewish Museum)
- Evora / Monsaraz (including the Jewish Quarter and Inquisition Museum)
Here are some highlights of these places: https://jewishtoursportugal.com/places/
And some tours across Portugal covering these regions:
- https://portugal-magik.com/tour/6-day-jewish-tour-portugal-best-highlights/
- https://portugal-magik.com/tour/10-day-jewish-private-tour-portugal/
- https://portugal-magik.com/tour/12-day-jewish-private-tour-portugal-spain/
Gonzalo
Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.
For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.
Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.
Related Posts:
