Experience the major sights of Lisbon from a Jewish perspective
Join the only Jewish guide in Portugal and visit the major sights of historic Lisbon. Along the way, you will discover artifacts, inscriptions, and monuments that no other Jewish tour of Lisbon can access.
In May of 2012, a sensational discovery by Archaeologists of Jena University revealed Hebrew inscriptions on a stone that points to the Jewish people residing in Portugal as early as 390 C.E. However, some Biblical Archaeologists believe that Tartessian texts found in Southern Portugal in 1922 suggest a Jewish presence dating to the time of King Solomon.
Walking through the quaint side streets of Lisbon, your guide and historian will explain these recent findings and unveil hidden elements in the architecture, explaining the influence of great Jewish sages like Abravanel, a philosopher and statesman, and Abraham Zacuto, who altered the course of the Age of Discovery. Throughout history, the Jews of Portugal held social and political ranks in favor of kings and maintained conciliatory relations with both Muslims and Christians. However, these periods were equally marked by inquisitions, forced baptisms, and brutal massacres, which have been overlooked in many historical references.
On this tour, you will discover the incredible story of Crypto-Jews (Cristão-Novos), a distinctive subgroup of Sephardim in Portugal who survived over 400 years of persecution in secret. At the site of the Inquisitor’s Palace, discover little-known facts about the Portuguese Inquisition and the controversy surrounding the Marquis of Pombal, whose authority both destroyed Jewish heritage and saved lives.
Discover from one of the scenic viewpoints over the city the deportation point during WWII, where thousands of Jewish refugees escaped Nazi persecution, among them famous names like Marc Chagall, Max Ernst, and many others who contributed to the arts, sciences, and politics of the world stage. Learn about Portugal’s own Oskar Schindler, a righteous gentile who is responsible for the single largest rescue mission of WWII, defying state orders to save thousands feeling the horrors of the 3rd Reich.
Beyond the former Jewish quarters, stories and artifacts festooned around the city offer a deeper understanding of the Early Modern Diaspora, the Passover Massacre, Crypto-Jewish practices, and famous Jewish families associated with Portugal.
_______________________________________________
Please be aware of other Jewish tours led by guides with similar-sounding names. There is only one authorized Jewish guide in Portugal, and he works exclusively with us here at Lisbon Explorer.
