Meet your guide at the local tourist office in Lisbon and begin your half-day private Jewish tour. Begin by learning about the history of the Jewish people before Portugal’s formation into a country in the 12th century. Then, hear about how King Manuel I passed legislation three centuries later that prevented Jews from leaving Portugal and required them to convert to Christianity.
After gaining general background information about Jewish heritage in Portugal, head to Rossio Square, the site of the Saint Catholic Inquisition, where thousands of Jews were mercilessly killed in bonfires if they protested converting to the Christian religion.
Next, stop at the Synagogue Shaare Tikva (own expense) and then discover the Jewish cemetery constructed when Jewish people initially established themselves in Lisbon. Hear about Jose Amzalaga, the first person entombed here in 1804.
Note that Synagogue Shaare Tikva is closed Fridays and extra time will be allotted at Sintra where you can discover its plentiful monuments and sites.
