Portugal · Heritage Walks

3-Hour Porto Jewish Walking Tour with Synagogue and Wine Cellar

3 Hours Round trip from Portugal Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the Kadoorie Mekor Haim synagogue, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula
02 Walk through Porto's old Jewish quarters
03 Discover the 16th-century secret synagogue of the Crypto-Jews
04 Learn about New Christians, Crypto-Jews, and Marranos
05 Explore a Port Wine cellar with wine tasting

Get to know where Jews lived in this Portuguese city, when they arrived, and what their professions and customs were. Enter the 16th-century secret synagogue that belonged to the Crypto-Jews, and learn about the city's Jewish history through lesser-known stories and places. This tour also takes you through the old Jewish quarters and includes a visit to the Kadoorie Mekor Haim synagogue and museum.

It is the largest synagogue in the Iberian Peninsula, inaugurated in 1938, when in other countries synagogues were being burned.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Porto

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Porto Jewish Heritage Walk and Synagogue Visit

After a short introduction to the history of the city itself, your Porto guide will introduce you to the history of Jews in Portugal, dating back to Roman times.
Walk through the old Jewish quarters.
Next, you will have a guided visit to the Kadoorie Mekor Haim synagogue, including its fascinating museum. It is the largest synagogue in the Iberian Peninsula, inaugurated in 1938, when in other countries synagogues were being burned. It also played an important role in helping refugees during WWII on their way to freedom and safety.
During the tour, you will find out where the secret synagogue dating back to the 16th century was located and what exactly Cryptojudaism was. Learn why some people were called New Christians and others Crypto-Jews or Marranos.
Get advice on places to have lunch, including kosher options.
Go for a river cruise (Six Bridges Cruise) and visit a Port wine cellar with wine tasting.