Portugal's Jewish Heritage Tour: A Journey Through Time

Take a captivating Portugal's Jewish Heritage Tour, tracing the footsteps of a community whose history is woven into the very fabric of the nation. Jewish presence in Portugal dates back to Roman times, with evidence of communities flourishing as early as the 4th century. During the Middle Ages, Jewish contributions to Portugal's intellectual, economic and cultural life were significant. However, 1496 marked a tragic turning point. King Manuel I's expulsion decree, driven by Spanish pressure, forced Jews to convert or leave, leading to the rise of "Cristãos-novos" (New Christians). Many secretly maintained their faith, becoming Crypto-Jews. For over 600 years, these hidden communities have preserved their traditions. This tour explores the remnants of this rich and complex history.

Day 1: Lisbon to Porto – Echoes of Medieval communities

Departure from Lisbon in the morning: We begin our journey northward, tracing the layers of Jewish history.

Tomar: Our first stop is Tomar, home to the remarkably preserved 15th-century Synagogue of Tomar, built in 1430, and its adjacent Mikvah. We explore the museum, learning about the town's once-thriving Jewish community and the synagogue's unique acoustic design.

Brief historical overview of the Jewish community of Tomar before the inquisition.

Midday in Coimbra: We continue to Coimbra, Portugal's former capital. We stroll through the narrow streets of the old Jewish quarter, imagining the lives of those who once lived here.

University of Coimbra: A highlight is the historic University of Coimbra, founded in 1290. Here, we learn about the contributions of prominent Jewish scholars to Portuguese intellectual life.

Alternative: For those interested, a tour of the stunning Biblioteca Joanina, the university's baroque library, can be arranged in place of the Jewish quarter exploration.

Lunch Break in Coimbra.

Afternoon in Porto: Our Portugal's Jewish Heritage Tour takes us to Porto. This is home to the Kadoorie Synagogue, the largest synagogue on the Iberian Peninsula. Learn about Captain de Barros Basto, "The Dreyfuss of Portugal," whose dedication made its construction possible.

Day 2: Porto to Belmonte – Secrets and survival

Morning in Trancoso: We venture into the remote village of Trancoso, where the legacy of the "Cristãos-novos" is deeply ingrained. We examine the stone carvings on the walls and doors of houses, symbols of hidden Jewish identity.

We explore the Casa de Gato Preto (Black Cat House), the Poço do Mestre (Master’s Well) and other significant sites. Uncover the stories of those who secretly maintained their faith.

We visit the Isaac Cardoso Jewish Cultural Center and Bandarra House, learning about the enigmatic shoemaker, poet and "Portuguese Nostradamus" whose writings influenced Messianic thought.

Lunch Break in Trancoso.

Afternoon in Belmonte: Our Portugal's Jewish Heritage Tour culminates in Belmonte, a village renowned for its remarkable Jewish community that has survived in secrecy for centuries. We learn how they preserved their traditions through endogamy and by concealing all outward signs of their faith until their rediscovery in the 20th century.

We visit the Belmonte Synagogue and the Jewish Museum, gaining insight into the extraordinary resilience of this community.

We will explain the history of how the community remained hidden for so long.