Guided tour of the Portuguese Synagogue
Ages: 9 - 12
Duration: 1 hour
Portuguese Synagogue
Mr. Visserplein 3, Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s best-kept secret
Across from the Jewish Museum stands Amsterdam’s best-kept secret: the Portuguese Synagogue. Built in 1675, this impressive building remains almost entirely in its original state.
To this day, the synagogue is still used as a place of worship. You will learn what this means during the guided tour.
For whom?
For: ages 9 - 12 (years 6 to 8 of Dutch primary school)
Duration: 1 hour
Group size: maximum of 15 pupils per guide
Cost: € 200 per group of 30 pupils, excluding admission
What will you learn?
This tour ties in with history, citizenship education and world orientation, and is tailored to the level of the pupils.
- You will learn what it means to be Jewish and understand the difference between Jewish religion and culture.
- You will discover the history of the Portuguese Jews in Amsterdam.
- You will learn about the religious aspects of Jewish life.
- You will get to know the Torah and understand its meaning in Jewish tradition.
“Inspiring to see how this impressive building affected the pupils. I will definitely come back next year.”
Mink Viergever, teacher year 7 of Dutch primary school
What will you do?
In this interactive guided tour, you will visit one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Welcome by the guide
5 minutes
Introduction to the Jewish faith
Visit to the hechal
10 minutesVisit the winter synagogue
Visit to the hidden treasure chambers
Closing conversation
5 minutesWant to visit with your class?
Frequently asked questions
To help you get started, we have listed the most common questions below.
The tour is available in Dutch or English. It can also be offered in German, French, Spanish or Hebrew, but availability in these languages is limited.
Yes. Let us know how many classes you plan to bring, and we will help you create a suitable programme. Pupils will be divided into groups of 15, with each group assigned its own guide.
Preparation is not required.
Tip: watch the video What is Jewish? (7.5 minutes) with your class beforehand. In this short film, Jewish teenagers explain what it means to be Jewish.
Practical information
Planning a school visit? Here is some practical information to help your visit run smoothly.
There is no cloakroom at the Portuguese Synagogue. You may take your coat and bag inside with you.
Pupils who identify as boys are required to wear a kippah or another form of head covering (such as a cap) while in the synagogue. Kippahs are available to borrow at the entrance.
Pupils who identify as girls may also wear a head covering, but this is not required.
Primary schools and schools for special needs education in Amsterdam can make free use of bus and boat transport through De Cultuurbus. De Cultuurbus brings your class not only to the Jewish Cultural Quarter, but also to other cultural institutions throughout Amsterdam.
Two payment options:
- At the museum’s ticket desk (by debit or credit card)
- By invoice
Please indicate your preferred payment method when booking.
