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/
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I'm based in Lisbon/Portugal and experienced in travel planning, tour guiding, and entrepreneurship since 1996, and guiding customers for over 20 years across Portugal. Helping customers from all over the world, planning their stay in Portugal. I'm also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide, assisting thousands of travelers yearly to plan their perfect trip.
*Disclaimer: All articles on this website express solely my opinion, and some services can be provided directly by myself, or through any partner.
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