The Jewish Heritage on the Iberian Peninsula goes back to the first century, still during the Roman Empire. Portuguese historians believe that the first Jewish people arrived in Portugal after the destruction of the second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE, during the I century and probably even before during the era of the Phoenicians. After the Romans the land was attacked and ruled by the Germanic tribes, the Barbarians. In 711, Sefard (from Hebrew, meaning both today´s Spain and Portugal) was taken over by the Moors it 711. They were Muslims from northern Africa, they were tolerant towards other religions and the era was called the Golden Age, everyone lived together and flourished. After the so called Reconquista, Sefarad was slowly gained by the Christians, between the X and the XII century. When the Kingdom of Portugal was established in the XI century, during the rule of the first Portuguese King, Afonso Henriques, Jews were given influential and important positions at the royal court. Continuing, up to the XV century Jewish presence was of a big relevance in Portugal. Everything changes, when Spanish Queen and King issue the Edict of Expulsion. Thousands of Jews flee to Portugal, believing here thay would be safe. Unfortunately it only lasted 4 years, when the Portuguese king Manuel I signed an equal the Edict of Expulsion is 1496 This was followed by the establishment of the Inquisition. From this moment the society is divided to “Old Christians” and “New Christians” (those forcefully converted and the following generations (also called in Hebrew: Bnei Annusim). It was an amazing phenomena, when Jews were not allowed to practice anymore, but they did, however secretly in hiding. During the Tour you will learn a lot more about the Crypto-Jews, how kept Jewish religion and customs, passed only orally, as nothing written in Hebrew was allowed anymore. We will visit places, such as Belmonte, where Judaism was completely “underground” until the XX century. There will visit some of the oldest Synagogues (and secret Synagogues). We invite you to explore the Sefardic history and heritage, but the issue of Ashkenazi Jews coming to Portugal and creating their Communities will be one of our subjects as well.
Discover Porto, its people, its history and the culture, on a relaxed tour, tailored to your needs and your pace and learn about the Jewish roots outside the tourist areas.