Introduction to the walking tour:
Discover the Jewish Heritage of Lisbon

Embark on a fascinating journey through the Jewish legacy in Lisbon, where the rich and complex history of the Jewish community unfolds. This tour traces the arrival of Jews to the Iberian Peninsula, their crucial role in finance and medicine, and the tensions between acceptance and refusal in society. Learn about the discrimination faced by Jews, culminating in the Inquisition and the forced expulsion in 1497, when the Jewish community was exiled from Portugal.

Discover the lives of the Maranos, Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity but secretly maintained their faith. Explore the hidden stories of Jewish contributions to the Portuguese discoveries, where Jews played an essential role in navigation, trade, and the expansion of Portugal’s empire.

This tour takes you through Lisbon’s historic Jewish quarter, visiting key sites that tell the stories of resilience, perseverance, and the vibrant Jewish culture that influenced Portuguese history.