Lisbon
Portugal

Founded by the Phoenician in the VII B.C, it is thought that the first Jews arrived in Lisbon with the Roman troupes.

The Jewish History of Lisbon

When the city is conquered to the Moorish in 1147, by the first king of Portugal, the Jews were already established with great distinction in commerce, science, medicine and the beginning of what would be the banking system. It’s because of their important positions in the city’s system, that the king takes a ruling that would change the lives of the Jewish community throughout the medieval period, which was to protect them and empower them with positions near to the crown of a country, still being forged and affirming its independence.

Lisbon

The city of Lisbon grew with three Jewish quarters and at one point, five synagogues. The Jewish quarters were located inside castle walls and were named Big Jewish quarter, Small Jewish quarter and Jewish quarter of Alfama. These last two Jewish quarters were located in the vicinities of commercial ports and shipyards. Throughout the XV century the Jewish community had a great growth and cultural development, which was the backdrop of one of the first topographies in Portugal. The city of Lisbon was home to some of the most prominent men of the Jewish culture, like the philosopher and theologian Isaac Abravanel. The city of Lisbon grew with three Jewish quarters and at one point, five synagogues. The Jewish quarters were located inside castle walls and were named Big Jewish quarter, Small Jewish quarter and Jewish quarter of Alfama. These last two Jewish quarters were located in the vicinities of commercial ports and shipyards. Throughout the XV century the Jewish community had a great growth and cultural development, which was the backdrop of one of the first topographies in Portugal. The city of Lisbon was home to some of the most prominent men of the Jewish culture, like the philosopher and theologian Isaac Abravanel.

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.