The Iberian Peninsula is a place in Europe where many things meld together. As a crossroads of sorts, Iberia is where the cultures of Africa and Europe meshed, and the three Abrahamic faiths collided on almost equal footing. As such, the countries of the Iberian Peninsula, namely Spain and Portugal, are places rich in Jewish history and heritage. That’s why they’re the sight of many kosher tours in the past.
In the near future, when it’s safe for you to travel again, why not check out some of the great cities that the Iberian Peninsula has to offer? Let’s begin with Portugal. A European nation of even temperatures and complex histories, Portugal is a premier destination for many Jewish travelers interested in finding out about their history. Here are some great and fascinating cities to watch out for in Portugal
Lisbon
The capital city of Lisbon is an old and much-respected hub of commerce and industry. This city is full of ancient and eye-catching architecture, from both Christian and Muslim sources. In addition, its fascinating history is entwined with that of the Sephardic Jewish people, both good and bad. If you want a good start to your journey, consider Lisbon.
Porto
Porto is an exquisite city, the second-largest in Portugal. It is a hub of trade and a place of heritage, one that sits on the banks of the wondrous Douro River, a favored destination for kosher river cruises. This locale is well known for its port wine, along with the aforementioned places of heritage. It’s also home to a variety of significant and historically important synagogues, such as the Kadoorie Synagogue.
Belmonte
The quaint destination of Belmonte is the home of a group of Crypto-Jews in Portugal, known as the Belmonte Jews. Ever since the cruel enactment of forced conversions in Iberia, the Belmonte Jews have hidden from the rest of the world by becoming an insular community that hid their Judaistic faith from outsiders. It was in the early 20th century that they were rediscovered by Samuel Schwarz, and they would later reveal themselves to the wider global Jewish community in later years.
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