July 2026 is drawing to a close, and the Porto Jewish museum has received visitors from 37 nationalities, mostly Americans, Israelis, and French.
Jewish tourists have compelling reasons to visit Porto. The city seamlessly bridges striking coastal beauty with a profound, resilient Jewish history, housing both the largest synagogue in the Iberian Peninsula and specialized museums detailing centuries of local Jewish life.
The Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue serves as the beating heart of Porto’s modern Jewish community. The building features a unique Art Deco and Moroccan-Moorish traditional style, beautifully adorned with over 20,000 handmade Porto tiles.
Located opposite the synagogue, the Jewish museum covers Jewish history from medieval times to the present day. It houses Torah scrolls, a replica of the Temple of Jerusalem, and an actual Inquisition prison carriage used in the historical film 1618.
Due to security and educational priorities, these sites primarily cater to pre-booked groups, schools, and Jewish community members. General tourists are highly encouraged to contact the Jewish Community of Oporto in advance to schedule a guided tour.
Like all major achievements of the community, the museum was built in three months, not years.
