Jewish Lisbon Half Day Tour

The presence and impact of the Jewish community in the Portuguese society are undeniable. This tour will take you back in history: from the first archaeological elements of Jewish presence, to the knowledgeable mediaval community, to the expulsion/conversion of 1496. We shall also speak about more recent moments, like the discovery of so many crypto-jewsih communities through out the 20th century in Portugal and also Lisbon as a gateway out of Europe during 2WW. Our journey back in time will start in Alfama, walking through Baixa (downtown) and visiting the Square of Tolerance, finishing in Restauradores square. We will cover the areas where the Jewish quarters were once located and speak about important personalities of our history. I take my ipad for visual aid of artefacts and photos.

Starting by the Alfama district we shall walk for the next 4 hours, learning about the sefardic presence in Lisbon. We will have time for a bathroom break or a pick-me-up coffee during the tour. Highlights: Old jewish Quarter in the Alfama neighborhood Walk river-front to the Praça do Comércio Discover Downtown, location of the old jewish quarter and former jewish cemitery Visit the Rossio square, where the Inquisitional Palace used to be Square of Tolerance, by the Church of St Dominic, where the massacre of 1506 took place Close by is the trainstation where refugees arrived in 1940 and hotels or cafes they spent their days, trying to leave Europe. Finish in Restadores. This walking tour has cobble stones, however the area is quite flat. Please bring comfortable shoes. If you would like to visit the Synagogue a request has to be made in advance. Visits are only available TUESDAY & THURSDAYS MORNINGS. To reach the synagogue we shall take a taxi. If you would like to customize this tour, please inquire.