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Lisbon Synagogue

Príncipe Real · Churches & Religious Sites

The Lisbon Synagogue stands at Rua Alexandre Herculano 59, 1250-012 Lisboa, in the Príncipe Real neighbourhood. It was inaugurated on May 18, 1904, a date the Hebrew calendar gives as Sivan 5, 5564, and was named Shaaré Tikva, or "Gates of Hope". It was the first synagogue constructed from the ground up in Portugal after the forced conversions and the official end of Portuguese Judaism in 1497. Since 2002 it has been regarded as a property of public interest. The building grew out of a long effort by the city's Jewish community. Its existing places of prayer were on modest floors and hardly met the conditions worship required. Without official recognition, the community still managed to buy a plot of land in the name of private individuals, so a proper and dignified building could be raised from scratch. The project was designed by Miguel Ventura Terra, described as one of the greatest architects of the time. The first stone was laid in 1902, and the 1904 inauguration completed an effort of more than 50 years by the Jews of Lisbon. Catholicism was then the official religion of the State, and a temple of another faith was not allowed a façade onto the public road. The synagogue was therefore built within a walled backyard, and from the street it cannot be told apart from its surroundings. The plan is rectangular, and the building faces Jerusalem, according to Jewish ritual. Its style is austere, combining Roman, Byzantine and Romantic elements. Inside, the columns that support the galleries draw attention to the bimah and desk, which mark the place of celebration, and the Ark holds the Torah scrolls. All visits are guided and must be booked beforehand. Tourists can visit on Mondays and Wednesdays at 02:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 09:30 a.m. There are no visits on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Jewish holidays or local public holidays. Identification may be requested. Because this is an active place of worship, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. For security, suitcases, shopping bags and other luggage are not allowed inside. Appointments are arranged through Sra. Sandra Montez on (+351) 919 899 637.

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