Lisbon Synagogue, Byzantine Revival synagogue in Santo António, Portugal
The Lisbon Synagogue at 59 Rua Alexandre Herculano is a rectangular structure combining Byzantine and Romanesque elements with a restrained exterior oriented toward Jerusalem. It accommodates approximately 400 men and 200 women in separate prayer areas.
The synagogue opened in 1904 as the first Jewish temple constructed in Portugal since forced conversions and the extinction of organized Judaism in 1497. This opening marked the reawakening of Jewish community life after centuries of suppression.
The interior follows traditional Jewish worship practices with separate sections for men and women, where visitors can see the arrangement of the bimah and Torah ark. This spatial layout reflects religious customs that still shape community gatherings today.
Visitors can join guided tours that showcase the sanctuary and adjacent Jewish quarters, with information available through cilisboa.org. It's wise to plan ahead and check the website for exact opening times and access details.
The original building remained concealed within a walled courtyard because early regulations around 1900 protected Catholic structures and restricted the construction of visible Jewish temples. This hidden location reflects the caution the Jewish community had to exercise during that period.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
