Esnoga (Portuguese Synagogue), Amsterdam
Amsterdam鈥檚 reputation for tolerance and religious freedom made it a beacon for Jews fleeing persecution. By the late 15th century, Jews escaping Spain and Portugal鈥檚 Inquisition found refuge in the Netherlands. At the time, the Dutch Republic was at odds with Spain, so these newcomers adopted the label 鈥淧ortuguese Jews鈥� to keep things simple and avoid further conflict.
The community flourished, and by 1665, their crowning achievement took shape: the grand Portuguese Synagogue鈥攁lso known as the Esnoga. Its design borrowed from the Neoclassical style popular in the Netherlands, with elegant pilasters and a concealed balustrade. At the time, it was the largest synagogue in the world, inspired by the grandeur of Solomon鈥檚 Temple in Jerusalem.
To this day, the Esnoga remains a portal to the past. Standing along one of Amsterdam鈥檚 busiest streets, its 17th-century design and interiors remarkably untouched. Electric lights? You won鈥檛 find them here. Instead, you鈥檒l be welcomed by the flicker of roughly 1,000 candles, their soft glow illuminating antique furnishings and intricate d茅cor.
Tourists are invited to explore Europe鈥檚 second-oldest synagogue still in continuous use, and as a bonus, each admission includes access to the Jewish Historical Museum, conveniently located just steps away across the street.
Insider Tip:
Don鈥檛 just admire the main hall鈥攅xplore the annexes. The board room, winter synagogue, candle room, and mourning room each tell their own story. Be sure to head down to the treasure chambers, where you鈥檒l find precious 16th-century manuscripts, gold-threaded tapestries, and books from the oldest Jewish library in the world.
The community flourished, and by 1665, their crowning achievement took shape: the grand Portuguese Synagogue鈥攁lso known as the Esnoga. Its design borrowed from the Neoclassical style popular in the Netherlands, with elegant pilasters and a concealed balustrade. At the time, it was the largest synagogue in the world, inspired by the grandeur of Solomon鈥檚 Temple in Jerusalem.
To this day, the Esnoga remains a portal to the past. Standing along one of Amsterdam鈥檚 busiest streets, its 17th-century design and interiors remarkably untouched. Electric lights? You won鈥檛 find them here. Instead, you鈥檒l be welcomed by the flicker of roughly 1,000 candles, their soft glow illuminating antique furnishings and intricate d茅cor.
Tourists are invited to explore Europe鈥檚 second-oldest synagogue still in continuous use, and as a bonus, each admission includes access to the Jewish Historical Museum, conveniently located just steps away across the street.
Insider Tip:
Don鈥檛 just admire the main hall鈥攅xplore the annexes. The board room, winter synagogue, candle room, and mourning room each tell their own story. Be sure to head down to the treasure chambers, where you鈥檒l find precious 16th-century manuscripts, gold-threaded tapestries, and books from the oldest Jewish library in the world.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Amsterdam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Esnoga (Portuguese Synagogue) on Map
Sight Name: Esnoga (Portuguese Synagogue)
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Religious
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