Portuguese Synagogue

Everyone is welcome

In the heart of the old Jewish neighbourhood stands the Portuguese Synagogue. The biggest synagogue in the world when it was built in the 17th century. Jews still worship here to this day, but whenever this wonderful building isn’t being used for services it’s open for you to visit.

Everyone is welcome. Whether you’re Jewish or not. A visit to the Portuguese Synagogue is a breathtaking experience. Everything has been kept just as it was in the 17th century. Instead of electric lights, the synagogue is lit by hundreds of candles.

Not to be missed

The Portuguese Synagogue has a magnificent holy ark (hechal), the massive wooden cabinet in which the Torah scrolls are housed. As in every synagogue, this stands against the wall in the direction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Here that's 120 degrees east.

In 2022, an extraordinary discovery was made. While working on the ark, renovators came across a hidden storage space below. There they found rolls of original linen wall hangings with superb prints from 1740-1760. These wall hangings can be seen in the synagogue treasure chambers.

Hidden treasure chambers

Under the peripheral buildings of the Snoga – as we call the synagogue – are the treasure chambers. Rooms full of books and silver. This is where the fabrics, finials and pointers used in services are stored. When there’s no service you can visit the treasure chambers. You’ll be amazed.

Planning a visit?