Cascais
Portugal

The name of this village located at Lisbon’s western side, was in the spotlight during the Second World War, for having been main host to the Jews fleeing the Nazi regime. Most of the refugees were just passing through Portugal, awaiting ship to take them South America, especially Brazil and Argentina. When the US joined the war, crossing over the Atlantic became increasingly difficult, so many of these refugees ended up staying for a few years.

The Jewish History of Cascais

Their presence in Cascais, especially in the summer resort of Estoril, was contemporary with an atmospheric environment of spies, royal families and artists. Some of these refugees were hosted by Portuguese families, which allowed them to acquire knowledge on the Portuguese social scene at the time.

Cascais

The Memorial Space of Exiles Museum depicts the passage through Cascais and Estoril of prominent European politicians and artists.

We are a passionate team of private guides, led by Pedro, certified in Jewish Heritage by the Portuguese Tourism Board (Turismo de Portugal – Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo do Porto), and certified on Tourism and Jewish Heritage by INP / University of Lisbon Lusofona.