The Jewish Heritage Tour of Lisbon is an 8-hour private tour focused on Lisbon’s history and its strong connection with the Jewish community. A long and intricate history that began even before the founding of the kingdom of Portugal and continued through years of persecution and religious intolerance. Today, as you stroll around the historical center of Lisbon, you will feel these strong ties between the Jewish community and the Portuguese culture, which we are so proud to preserve.
Discover the best sites, important artifacts, and stories that will bring the Jewish heritage of Lisbon alive in a truly amazing way.
Low Season |
High Season |
Special Season |
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2 people: | 264€ | 325€ | 341€ |
3 people: | 278€ | 342€ | 359€ |
4 people: | 306€ | 377€ | 395€ |
5 people: | 328€ | 404€ | 424€ |
6 people: | 350€ | 431€ | 452€ |
7 people: | 374€ | 461€ | 483€ |
8+ people: contact us |
Low Season: Nov 1st to Dec 14th & Jan 11th to Mar 31st
High Season: April, June, July, August & Dec 15th to Jan 10th
Special Season: May, September & October
The neighborhood of Alfama is a labyrinth of narrow streets and winding alleys. It is the oldest quarter of the city and the place where a small Jewish quarter was located in the 14th century. It is also the birthplace of Fado, the typical song of Lisbon, classified as Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The 13th century-old Saint Dominic’s church was the first Dominican church of Lisbon. For centuries it was considered the most important church in Lisbon where beautiful royal weddings and christenings, were held. But it was also the site of the Easter Slaughter, a three-day massacre, in 1506, during which 2.000 people accused of being Jews, were persecuted, tortured, and killed.
After this episode, the church has been destroyed on several occasions by earthquakes and a brutal fire in 1959. Its impressive interior decorated in gilded woodcarvings and valuable paintings was destroyed. It reopened in 1994 and the marks of the fire were left exposed on the church walls giving it a unique and fascinating atmosphere. Today, there’s a monument and a mural in the square outside the church, inaugurated in 2008, that reads “Lisbon, the City of Tolerance” in 34 languages recalling the terrible episode of 1506 and paying a tribute to the Jewish victims.
Judaism in Portugal changed at the beginning of the 19th century, when the Sephardi Jews from Morocco and Gibraltar, mostly merchants, started to migrate to Lisbon. During the 19th century, the Jewish community of Lisbon had no formal synagogue and had to celebrate their religious rites in private houses. When the construction of the Lisbon’s Synagogue began its main facade had to face an inner courtyard because the Portuguese law at the time forbade non-Catholic temples from facing the street. Shaaré Tikvah Synagogue (Gates of Hope) was finally opened in 1904 and is still used today.
The launching point for the Portuguese discoveries, with significant historic monuments in a beautiful open riverside setting. Here you can admire the Belem Tower, the Discoveries Monument, visit the church of the Jerónimos Monastery and taste the world-famous custard tarts of Belém.
From 264€
Low Season |
High Season |
Special Season |
|
---|---|---|---|
2 people: | 264€ | 325€ | 341€ |
3 people: | 278€ | 342€ | 359€ |
4 people: | 306€ | 377€ | 395€ |
5 people: | 328€ | 404€ | 424€ |
6 people: | 350€ | 431€ | 452€ |
7 people: | 374€ | 461€ | 483€ |
8+ people: contact us |
Low Season: Nov 1st to Dec 14th & Jan 11th to Mar 31st
High Season: April, June, July, August & Dec 15th to Jan 10th
Special Season: May, September & October
Every client is a friend to us and we always try to achieve 100% satisfaction of our clients, exceeding their expectations. Our concept is based on quality, professionalism and hospitality.
Our tours are always private (just you and our guide/driver).
The tour highlights recommend some places to visit, however, there are others that may interest you, so we list some of them on ‘optional visits and experiences’. Our main goal is to provide you an unforgettable day therefore we have the flexibility to customize the itinerary according your preferences and tour length.
Our company is certified by the World Travel & Tourism Council as "Safe Travels" (COVID-19 Measures).
Please contact us for advice about our accommodation options. We have a list of hotels based in local 3*, 4* and 5* Bed & Breakfasts and Boutique hotels throughout Portugal. We will provide you with suggestions so you can choose what best suits your budget.
Our tours are escorted by very experienced expert guides, all of whom work with us full time. With excellent English, permission to skip lines, and expertise that came from real-life experience and on-the-ground knowledge, they are the key to accessing hidden gems and experiencing the true authenticity of our culture. Our guides are non-smoking.
Departure
Starting and finishing in Lisbon
Departure time
To be agreed
What’s included
Not included
Accomodations
Meals
Jewish Heritage Tour of Lisbon
8 hours - Shore private tour - from 264€ for 2 people