Jewish Heritage in Lisbon

A Private Journey Through Centuries of History

Explore the profound legacy of Jewish culture in Lisbon, a city that has been a significant center of Sephardic Jewish life for over nine centuries. This private tour offers an immersive journey through time, uncovering hidden stories, historic neighborhoods, and key events that shaped Jewish presence in the Portuguese capital.

Our experience begins at Rossio Square, once the site of the Inquisition Court housed in the Palácio dos Estaus—now the National Theater D. Maria II. This square witnessed the infamous Auto-da-Fé ceremonies, where countless individuals, including Jews and other so-called heretics, faced brutal persecution.

Nearby, at the corner of São Domingos Church, we’ll visit the Lisbon Jewish Memorial, erected in 2006. It solemnly commemorates the tragic 1506 massacre, during which approximately 2,000 people were tortured and killed for being Jewish.

From here, we’ll stroll toward the historic Chiado district, once home to a small Jewish community and a synagogue dating back to 1260. Our walk continues to the grand Praça do Comércio, overlooking the Tagus River. This site, a symbol of maritime glory, also bears the heavy memory of forced baptisms imposed on Jews during the 15th century. The square was later rebuilt after the devastating 1755 earthquake.

Next, we’ll explore Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest and most charming quarters. Known for its Fado music, this district once hosted two significant Jewish quarters: the Judiaria Grande, near São Nicolau Church, and the Judiaria Pequena, now marked by the modern Bank of Portugal.

To conclude our tour, we’ll visit the Shaaré Tikva Synagogue, established in 1904—the first to be built in Lisbon since the expulsion of Jews in the 15th century. During World War II, it became a vital refuge for Jewish families fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe and remains a central place of worship and community today.

This private tour is more than a walk through Lisbon—it’s a meaningful encounter with the resilience, contributions, and enduring spirit of the Jewish people in Portugal