Medieval Jewish quarters of Portugal

Culture and History tour in Lisbon, Tomar, Castelo de Vide

Tour Price : €400 Duration : 8 hours Languages: English, Portuguese, Russian

The history of the Jews comunity in Portugal are vary old and very interesting. We will visit 3 towns of central part of Portugal, where you can see synagogues and madieval districts of Jews: Lisbon, Tomar and Castelo de Vide.

Since the end of the Roman Empire that a Jewish minority existed in the territory that later became Portugal.
When founding of the nation, in 1143, this minority was already widespread in some important places like Santarém who owned the oldest national synagogue.

The Jewish population increased, favored with the need that the first kings (XII century) felt to populate the territory that was being conquered from the Moors.

In all places where the number of Jews exceeded the dozen, a commune or aljama whose organizational center was the synagogue was created. Your bell called the faithful not only to prayer but also to provide them with any information coming King or any decision taken by the chief rabbi. The synagogue was the seat of the commune government...

Today most of the Madieval Jews districts are World Haritage of UNESCO.

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