About Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam
Things to See At Portuguese Synagogue
One of the best things to do in the Portuguese Synagogue is to explore the beautiful Torah scrolls which are kept in special cabinets inside the church. Torah Scroll is a handwritten copy of the Torah, which means the Five Books of Moses (the first books of the Hebrew Bible). It is a ritual to read the Torah during the Jewish prayers. The design of the Torah is unique with rollers and bells attached and people can hear it when it is carried around in Synagogue.
When you enter the church, you’ll be exposed to a collection of unique items and manuscripts. For example, you can explore the first Spanish translation of Erasmus’ Praise of Folly from 1511. This is one of the best things to do in the Portuguese Synagogue where you can learn a lot about the history and culture of the Synagogue. Also, you’ll find loads of unique items in the Synagogue including prayer books, prayer shawls, skull caps, the booking form of the Torah, and more.
The church is home to around 600 ceremonial items which are used to protect the Torah Scrolls. Some of them include sandals (which are used to wrap around the scrolls), faixes, narrow wraps to tie the scrolls, and capas, Torah Mantles. When the Torah Scrolls are not used in the church, they’re covered with a serf cover. This is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam where you’ll explore a lot of unique things and learn about the history of the Synagogue.
The Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam has one of the finest collections of Silverware in the world. Some of them include Torah finials, goblets and candlesticks for Shabbat, Ponterios, silver jugs and bowls for priests to wash their hands and more. When you enter the church, you’ll dive deep into the history and explore the ceremonial objects which are used to this day. Get a chance to explore the most important Jewish Heritage collection by visiting the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam.
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History of the Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam
During the Dutch Golden Age, thousands of Portuguese fled to their homeland in Amsterdam. When they reached Portugal, they faced institutionalised antisemitism and were given a chance to choose between conversion, expulsion, or execution. Most Portuguese decided to travel to countries which are controlled by the Protestant church.
During that time, the Netherlands was one of the best liberal nations in Europe. The government of the Netherlands tolerated other faiths and was not in favour of religious prosecutions. In 1670, the city gave the Portuguese population to build the Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam on the banks of the Herengracht canal.
The construction of the church finished in 1675 and it has been active ever since. Today, most Jewish people worship in the church and it has become the centre of learning. It is attached to one of the oldest Jewish libraries and is home to several religious rare texts, manuscripts, and unique items. The Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam is open to the public and has become a crucial part of Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter.
The interior of the church is something that will give a treat to your eyes. You’ll be amazed to explore the interiors and will give you memories that’ll last forever with you.
Know Before You Visit Portuguese Synagogue
Timings :You can visit the Portuguese Synagogue from Monday to Wednesday between 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.The timings to visit on Thursday are between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Timings on Friday are between 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.The church remains closed on Saturdays.
Location :The Portuguese Synagogue is located at Mr. Visserplein 3, 1011 RD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tourist Visit- The Portuguese Synagogue is one of the oldest and largest buildings in Europe.- You can book your audio-guided tours which will help you understand various aspects of the building, the history of the Synagogue, art, culture, and Jewish Religious ceremonies.- A visit to this church is both educational and enjoyable for visitors.
How to Reach- By bus- You can get on a bus with transit lines 305, 314, 347, 397, and 41. It will take between 1 hour to 1.5 hours to reach the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam.
- By train- You can onboard the train from Station Baarn, Baarn, which will take approx 59 minutes to reach the church.
HighlightsThe Portuguese Synagogue is one of the largest Synagogues in Europe.This Synagogue was a part of history and past events and it is open for tourists today.You’ll explore several manuscripts and unique items inside the Portuguese Synagogue.It is used as a place to worship and is a part of the Jewish Cultural Quarter.
Tips- Carry your credit or debit cards as you will have to make the payments through cards when purchasing the tickets offline.- Make sure to dress well, out of respect for religious traditions.- Remember to check the open timings before visiting the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam. The timings may vary with the major Jewish holidays.
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FAQ's
What are the best things to see and do in Amsterdam?
Visit the Rijksmuseum: This is one of the most famous museums in the Netherlands and is home to several art collections of the famous painters like Vermeer and Rembrandt.
Explore Van Gogh Museum: Van Gogh Museum is a go-to destination for tourists who love history. This is a place where you can explore the life and work of Van Gogh, from paintings, drawings, and letters.
Relax in Vondelpark: Vondelpark is one of the biggest parks in Amsterdam. This is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic with your loved ones and spend great time together.
Try Dutch food: Amsterdam is crammed with tons of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy mouth-watering Dutch cuisines. You can enjoy a wide range of Dutch food like Poffertjes, Oliebollen, Stamppot, Sate, Bamischijf, etc.
Shop At the local markets: There are tons of local markets in Amsterdam where you can shop for clothing, bags, jewelries, furniture, etc. There are unique stalls selling rare antique, vintage clothes, quirky gifts, books, and more.
What are the best places to stay in Amsterdam?
Some of the best places to stay in Amsterdam are The Highlander, W Amsterdam, Hotel Mercier, Mr. Jordaan, Hotel Die Port van Cleve and many more. Amsterdam offers a great variety of places from cosy hostels like Hans Brinker Hostel, Amigo Budget Hostel to luxurious options such as Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, Conservatorium Hotel and Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam.
What are the best things to pack for a trip to Amsterdam?
Some of the best things to pack for the Amsterdam trip include a raincoat, camera, comfortable walking shoes and a bike lock. You must also pack a map, travel adapter, waterproofing clothes, light sweaters or jackets, ID Proof, sunglasses and insect repellent.
How many days in Amsterdam are enough?
You require at least 3-5 days to explore and enjoy Amsterdam. During this time, you can visit the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam, Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and the Vondelpark. A 3-5 day vacation in Amsterdam will also allow you to explore the Royal Palace Amsterdam, The Jordaan, A’Dam Lookout, The Nine Streets and many more attractions.
What are some popular activities in Amsterdam that we can book from MyAmsterdamPass?
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