Portugal's Jewish Heritage: 10-Day Premium Guided Tour

• Lisbon: Lisbon boasts a profound connection to its Jewish community, with a history spanning centuries. From its roots predating the foundation of Portugal's kingdom, to enduring persecution and religious intolerance, and even serving as a haven during World War II, when it sheltered 10,000 refugees, this city's bond with the Jewish people remains steadfast to this day.
• Alfama district: Discover Lisbon's historic Jewish Quarter, now a cherished district steeped in tradition. This neighborhood, renowned as the birthplace of Fado, Lisbon's emblematic musical genre, has been designated World Intangible Heritage by UNESCO.
• St. Dominic's Church: Established in the 13th century as Lisbon's first Dominican church, held significance as a venue for royal ceremonies. However, it also witnessed the tragic Easter Slaughter of 1506, where 2,000 Jews faced persecution and death. Despite enduring destruction from earthquakes and a devastating fire in 1959, the church was rebuilt and reopened in 1994, retaining the scars of its past on its walls.
• Shaaré Tikvah Synagogue: This Synagogue symbolizes an important shift in Portugal's Jewish landscape during the early 19th century. Built in 1904 to serve Lisbon's growing Sephardi Jewish community, it replaced the need for private homes as venues for religious rites. Facing legal constraints, its construction featured a facade directed towards an inner courtyard due to laws prohibiting non-Catholic temples from facing the street. Despite these challenges, Shaaré Tikvah Synagogue continues to stand as a beacon of hope, representing the enduring spirit of Portugal's Jewish heritage.
• Belém: The Belém district serves as the cradle of Portuguese discoveries, boasting an array of significant historic monuments set against the picturesque backdrop of the riverside. Explore the rich history of Belém Tower and the Discoveries Monument, marvel at the architectural splendor of the Jerónimos Monastery, and indulge in the delectable world-famous custard tarts of Belém.

(Overnight in Lisbon)

• Évora: Known as the capital of the Alentejo region, Évora has garnered UNESCO World Heritage status since 1986, thanks to its rich historical and cultural significance.
  • Church of São Francisco: Established in the 12th century, the Convent of St. Francis in Évora holds the distinction of being the inaugural residence of the Franciscan Order in Portugal. The subsequent renovation of its church in the late 15th century transformed it into a masterpiece of Gothic-Manueline architecture.
  • Bones Chapel: Capelas dos Ossos (Bones Chapel), constructed in the 17th century by three Franciscan friars, serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of human existence. Adorned with a chilling inscription at its entrance—"We bones here laid, for yours, we wait"—the chapel's walls and eight pillars are adorned with approximately 5,000 human skulls and countless bones sourced from the city's cemeteries.
  • Évora's Roman Temple: Constructed in the early 1st century, it is a symbol of the city's rich history. Situated in the heart of the historic city center, this iconic structure was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 and remains one of Évora's most renowned landmarks
  • Évora’s Cathedral: Also known as "Sé de Évora", this is the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal. Initiated in 1186, this grand structure constructed from granite signifies a pivotal transition from Romanesque to Gothic architectural styles.
• Local Vineyard and Winery: Embark on a journey through wine-making traditions with a guided tour of a local vineyard and winery. Delve into the intricacies of wine production as you learn about the vineyard's daily operations. Finish your tour with a delightful wine-tasting experience, accompanied by local delicacies including cheese, sausage, olives, and bread—a perfect blend of flavors to complement the wines
• Store and Cork Factory: Explore the wonders of cork at a local store and factory. Derived entirely from the bark of cork oak trees, this 100% natural material boasts a multitude of uses including flooring, musical instruments, decoration, and even clothing. As Portugal's leading industry, encompassing 730 thousand hectares of cork oak forests, it contributes over 50% of the world's cork production. 
• Monsaraz: Experience the charm of Monsaraz, a medieval village steeped in history, initially conquered by the Moors in the 12th century. Throughout the centuries, it served as a crucial stronghold overlooking the Guadiana River and the Spanish border. Today, Monsaraz stands as a living museum village, renowned for its preservation and unparalleled beauty in the region. From atop the castle walls, erected by D. Dinis in the 14th century and designated as a National Monument, marvel at the panoramic views of the village with its whitewashed houses, slate roofs, and the majestic Alqueva dam in the distance.
   

(Overnight in Évora)

• Elvas: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elvas is celebrated for housing the world's largest collection of bulwark fortifications, complemented by an impressive array of military buildings, churches, and monasteries cherished for their beauty.
• Marvão: Renowned as one of the most breathtaking walled villages in the country, perched atop the Serra de São Mamede mountains, it provides incredible views of the surrounding region.
• Castelo de Vide: Discover Castelo de Vide, home to one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Portugal and a highlight of Alentejo tourism. Wander through the charming medieval streets, immersing in the rich history and vibrant culture of this enchanting town, and explore the 13th-century castle.

(Overnight in Marvão)

• Vila Velha de Rodão: Discover Vila Velha de Rodão's ancient history, stretching back 600 million years, with its earliest remains being geological wonders. Explore the Natural Monument 'Portas de Ródão,' where the Tagus River flows through towering quartzite cliffs, creating a breathtaking geological formation.
• Monsanto: Hailed as the epitome of Portuguese heritage, Monsanto traces its roots back to the Paleolithic Era. Conquered from the Moors by D. Afonso Henriques in 1165, it was later bequeathed to the Knights Templar, who erected a castle under the orders of their Grand Master. Nestled amidst towering granite blocks, Monsanto is renowned for its unique charm, with granite and shale houses seamlessly integrated into the landscape.
• Belmonte: Belmonte has the largest Jewish community in the Iberian Peninsula, one that persevered through centuries of secrecy during the Inquisition to practice their faith. During your visit to Belmonte, explore the rich heritage of this community by touring the Jewish Museum, experiencing the solemn beauty of the BET ELIYAHU Synagogue, and wandering through the historic Jewish Quarter.
• BET ELIYAHU Synagogue: A testament to resilience and faith that was inaugurated on December 4th, 1996. It signifies triumph over religious intolerance, embodying the enduring strength of the Belmonte Jewish community. After five centuries of living in secrecy, practicing Judaism clandestinely, the community has bravely rebuilt the synagogue. Today, it serves as a beacon of hope, welcoming over a hundred Jews for prayers every Friday night and Sabbath day.

(Overnight in Belmonte)

• Manteigas: Nestled amidst a stunning natural landscape, Manteigas sits approximately 700 meters above sea level within the glacier valley of Serra da Estrela. In the winter months, local shepherds donned cloaks or coats crafted from Burel, a durable and tightly woven wool fabric, to protect themselves from the elements. Historically, these garments were handmade using rudimentary techniques in households. Today, Burel has found its way into the realm of Portuguese fashion, with many designers incorporating it into trendy coats, capes, bags, and hats. Explore the Burel shop and factory in Manteigas to delve deeper into wool production and its contemporary applications.
• Almeida: One of Portugal's foremost fortified villages, revered for its strategic location and iconic hexagonal-shaped wall.
• Vila Nova de Foz Côa: A picturesque town nestled in the Douro Valley region that has been gaining global recognition for its remarkable collection of rock engravings dating back to the Palaeolithic Era. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these ancient carvings serve as a testament to humanity's enduring artistic legacy.

(Overnight in Douro)

• Douro: Discover the enchanting Douro Valley, hailed as one of Portugal's most breathtaking regions and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Traverse its picturesque mountain slopes adorned with vineyards, offering panoramic views of the stunning landscapes. Get to know its rich wine culture as you visit local wineries, indulging in tastings of the renowned Douro wines.
• Village of Pinhão: In Pinhão, a visit to the railway station unveils a renowned treasure - 24 tile panels adorned with captivating landscapes of the Douro Region.
• Lamego: Nestled in the picturesque Douro Valley region, Lamego holds a deep historical connection with the Jewish community, dating back to the 14th century when it was home to four hundred Jews. Its charming historical center, adorned with beautiful old buildings and offering breathtaking viewpoints, radiates a unique atmosphere.

 (Overnight in Porto)

• Porto: Being Portugal's second-largest city, Porto is located along the picturesque Douro river estuary, and holds the prestigious designation of a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. Your day will be filled with exploration as you wander through its historic center, where you'll encounter the charming Jewish Quarter and discover its most prominent monuments.
• Church and Tower of the Clerics: These monuments stand as a testament to 18th-century baroque architecture, meticulously crafted by the renowned Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. Serving as an iconic symbol of the city, this architectural marvel captivates visitors with its magnificence and historical significance.
• São Bento Train Station: Erected in the 20th century, this train station stands as a pinnacle of architectural beauty in Portugal. Adorned with a glass and iron structure, its interior shows an impressive display of twenty thousand tiles. These tiles intricately depict the evolution of transportation and significant events from Portuguese history and lifestyle, offering a unique journey through time to all who pass through its halls.
• Porto’s Cathedral: Located in the heart of the historic center, Porto's Cathedral is one of Portugal's oldest and most significant monuments.
• Lello & Brother’s Bookstore: This is the most renowned bookstore. Visitors are captivated by its extraordinary wooden staircase, lending an air of mystery to the atmosphere. This bookstore gained international acclaim when JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter saga, drew inspiration from its stairs for Hogwarts’ castle.
• Gondomar: Just outside vibrant Porto lies Gondomar, Portugal's goldsmithing capital. Here, the ancient art of filigree flourishes. Delicate threads of gold and silver are masterfully twisted into intricate patterns, creating exquisite works of art. Explore traditional workshops where generations of artisans preserve this captivating craft, witnessing the mesmerizing transformation of precious metals.
• Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue: The construction of this Synagogue began in 1929, culminating in its inauguration in 1938. This stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Porto's Jewish Community, who overcame persecution to build their sanctuary and create a thriving space for their members. Today, the community welcomes over three hundred Jews from more than twenty countries.

 (Overnight in Porto)

• Tomar: Step back in time and explore one of Portugal's most historic cities. Discover an extraordinary collection of monuments, including the remarkable churches of "São João Baptista" and "Santa Maria do Olival". Immerse yourself in history within the walls of the ancient 15th-century Jewish synagogue.
• Óbidos: Óbidos has a rich Jewish heritage. Traces of a community from the Visigoth era (5th-7th centuries) linger, while a vibrant Jewish quarter rose centuries later in the 12th century.

 (Overnight in Lisbon)

Thank you for choosing Portugal Getaways! We trust you had an incredible time on your Premium Jewish Heritage Tour of Portugal. We look forward to planning many more adventures together in the future. Safe travels.