Inquisitions  | massacres and  miracles: departs year round at 9:30 am or 1:30 pm. These are primarily walking tours because vehicles are restricted from the narrow medieval streets of the historic center.We offer a 3 hour English speaking guide ,entry fees and historic trolley ride  or taxis when needed. The short ride on a historic trolley is to reach the hilltops, and our tours follow a leisurely downhill route with places along the way to stop for views, restroom, or beverage breaks if needed. Your guide will be waiting for you at your port of arrival, holding a sign with your name on it.

Our guide takes you to  visit to the major sights of downtown Lisbon. Visit the artifacts, inscriptions, and monuments that no other Jewish tours of Lisbon can access. In May of 2012 a sensational discovery by Archaeologists of Jena University revealed Hebrew inscriptions on stone which point to the Jewish people residing in Portugal as early as 390 C.E.  However, some Biblical Archaeologists believe that Tartessian texts found in Southern Portugal in 1922 suggests a Jewish presence dating to the time of King Solomon. Walking through the quaint side streets of Lisbon your guide and historian will explain these recent findings and unveil hidden elements in the architecture, explaining the influence of great Jewish sages like The Abravanel- a philosopher and statesman, and Abraham Zucato who altered the course of the Age of Discovery. The Jews of Portugal throughout history held social and political ranks with the favor of kings, and conciliatory relations between Muslims and Christians alike. However, these periods were equally marked by inquisitions, forced baptisms and brutal massacres which have been overlooked in many historical references.

On this tour you will discover the amazing story of Crypto-Jews, (Cristão-Novos) a distinctive sub-group of Sephardim in Portugal who survived over 400 years of persecution in secret. At the site of the Inquisitors Palace, learn little known facts about the Portuguese Inquisition and the controversy of the Marquis of Pombal whose authority destroyed Jewish heritage but saved lives at the same time. Stand at the deportation point during WWII where thousands of Jewish refugees escaped Nazi persecution, among them famous names like Marc Chagall, Max Ernst and many others who contributed to the arts, sciences and politics of the world stage. Learn about Portugal’s own Oskar Schindler, a righteous gentile who is responsible for the single largest rescue mission of WWII, deifying state orders to save thousands feeling the horrors of the 3rd Reich. Beyond the former Jewish quarters, there are stories in artifacts festooned around the city that will bring deeper understanding of the Early Modern Diaspora, The Passover Massacre, Cryto-Jewish practices and famous Jewish families associated with Portugal.

Major highlights on this walking tour: Baixa- Pombalina Downtown: The Jewish Quarters Grande and Pequeno, Rossio Square: Tribunal of the Inquisition, Carmo Ruins: The roofless church of the great earthquake, Praça do Comércio, the epicenter of major events in Portugal’s Jewish history, São Dominigo's Square: Memorial to the massacres of 1506, Elevador de Santa Justa: A Neo-Gothic tower of transport and beautiful views, Bairro Alto: Home to great Jewish sages like The Abarbanel and Yosef Caro, Pedro de Alcantara Garden: The most scenic views from the west side Lisbon, Chiado  and Praça Camôes and the fashionable Rua Garrett shopping district historic retail shops