Portuguese Synagogue Amsterdam

The Portuguese-Israeli Synagogue is a late 17th-century Sephardic synagogue in Amsterdam. It is also known as the Esnoga which is the Ladino word for synagogue. The construction of the synagogue was completed in 1675.   In January 2012 Israeli Prime-Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described this as “one of the most beautiful synagogues I have ever seen.” The synagogue is a popular tourist attraction.

Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam

The beautiful Portuguese Synagogue is one of the most important legacies of the vibrant Jewish community in Amsterdam. Until the Holocaust, Jews made up more than 10% of the population of Amsterdam. During the 16th and 17th century, many Jews that faced persecution in Spain and Portugal fled to Amsterdam. The religious tolerance they enjoyed in the Dutch Republic was unheard of in the rest of Europe. The Amsterdam Sephardic community became one of the largest and richest Jewish communities in Europe during the Dutch Golden Age, and their very large synagogue reflected this.

The Entrance

There is an inscription in Hebrew above the entrance that refers to Psalm 5:8 “In the abundance of Thy lovingkindness will I come into Thy house”. There is also reference to the date 1672 which is an interesting curiosity. This was the year in which the synagogue was supposed to be ready. However, due to the war in 1672 which was “The Year of Disaster” it was not possible to finish the construction.

History of the Portuguese Synagogue

The Sephardic Jews who settled in Amsterdam in the late 16th century commissioned Elias Baumans and Daniel Stalpaert to design the synagogue. It was to be the biggest in the world and was inspired by the architecture of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. Like many of the buildings in Amsterdam, its foundations consist of wooden piles driven into the ground. They started building in 1671 and in 1675 the Portuguese Synagogue opened. It cost the community around 186,000 florins. Minor restorations have been made, but the synagogue still looks pretty much the same as 340 years ago.

Architecture of the Portuguese Synagogue

The architecture shows the self-confidence and wealth of the Jewish community in Amsterdam. It was the largest synagogue of its time and one of the biggest buildings in Amsterdam. A model of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem provided inspiration for the architects. Around the main building, there are various offices and archives, the rabbinate, a mortuary and the Ets Haim (Tree of Life) library that holds valuable collections of Sephardic manuscripts.

Interior of the Portuguese Synagogue

The Interior of the Portuguese Synagogue is the longitudinal Iberian-Sephardic type. The Holy Ark which is situated in the South East corner faces Jerusalem. The Tebah stands on the other side of the room opposite the ark. The service is led from the Tebah.

Interior of the Portuguese Synagogue

The interior of the synagogue is lit by 1000 candles held in two enormous brass chandeliers. Additional light streams through the 72 windows. The upper section of the synagogue is the women’s gallery which is supported by twelve stone columns. These represent the twelve tribes of Israel.

Opening hours for visitors

It is open to the public and guided tours can be arranged in advance. Note that the synagogue is closed on Saturdays.
April 1 – October 31: Sunday till Friday 10.00 – 16.00 hrs.
November 1 – March 31: Sunday until Thursday 10.00 – 16.00. Friday 10.00 – 14.00.
For more information visit the Jewish Cultural Quarter website.

The Winter Synagogue

The area surrounding the main building also includes a winter synagogue with central heating and electric lighting. This is the site of the congregation’s regular weekly services and was created during the 1955–1959 renovation in the former Etz Hayim seminary auditorium.

Location

The Portuguese Synagogue is located in the centre of Amsterdam near Waterlooplein.

Address: Mr. Visserplein 3, 1011 RD Amsterdam

Photo Tips

– Cameras are permitted and photos are possible but flash photography is not allowed
– Larger camera bags are not permitted in the Jewish Cultural Museum