PORTO JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR | HIDDEN HISTORY & RESILIENCE

Much of Porto's Jewish history is no longer visible, yet its story remains deeply woven into the city. This tour is dedicated to preserving the memory of Porto's Jewish community and honouring the generations who lived, worked, worshipped, and persevered here. While the medieval synagogues and Jewish quarters no longer exist, we will walk through the areas where they once stood, uncovering their history, legacy, and lasting impact on Porto. Along the way, you'll learn about medieval Jewish life before the Inquisition, the transformation of Jewish neighbourhoods into "New Christian" districts, and inspiring stories of resilience, identity and survival including Artur Barros Basto's revival of Jewish life in Porto and Aristides de Sousa Mendes' humanitarian courage during World War II.

Two options are available: The Complete Historical Route (Hard) – follow Porto's former Jewish quarters in chronological order, with a longer walk and significant elevation changes; The Essential Heritage Route (Moderate) – a shorter route with some uphill sections and stairs, viewing one former Jewish quarter from a scenic viewpoint rather than visiting it on foot. Whichever route you choose, meet your private guide at the Cathedral, Porto's most important medieval religious landmark, before descending into the medieval quarters once home to the city's oldest Jewish community. Discover the Vitória Staircase, enjoy panoramic views from Passeio das Virtudes, and visit the site of Porto's secret medieval synagogue and Porta do Olival, where Inquisition autos-da-fé once took place. This tour can include a visit to Porto’s synagogue and Jewish Museum. In this case, passport numbers for all participants will be required after booking by the Jewish Community of Porto for security and admission purposes.