Discover a key legacy in Amsterdam's vibrant Jewish history at the Portuguese Synagogue
Walk its sandy floor—one of only five synagogues worldwide with this feature and the only one outside the Caribbean
Learn about the 17th-century Netherlands and enjoy a tour of the Jewish Museum, included with your ticket
In the late 17th century, Jews in Amsterdam were allowed to build synagogues visible from the street, transforming the city's landscape. Explore the candlelit halls of the Portuguese Synagogue, or Esnoga, and marvel at its intricate wooden carvings and sandy floor. An audio guide provides historical context as you walk through this beautifully preserved interior, notable for its lack of modern heating or lighting.
During the 17th century, Amsterdam thrived in trade, science, the military, and art. Until the Holocaust, Jews made up 10% of the city's population, with many seeking refuge from persecution in Spain and Portugal. The Portuguese Synagogue, once one of Amsterdam's largest buildings, remains one of only five synagogues worldwide with a sand floor to absorb dust, moisture, and sound.
