Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam image

Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam

Tourist attraction Synagogue

Completed in 1675, this grand, light-filled synagoge with elegant chandelier offers an audio guide. People often mention synagogue, Jewish, history, visit, Amsterdam, building, beautiful, audio, guide, time,


Address

Mr. Visserplein 3, 1011 RD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Website

www.esnoga.com

Contact

+31 20 624 5351

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (1.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: synagogue (39) Jewish (24) history (23) visit (20) Amsterdam (19) building (17) beautiful (16) audio (14) guide (11) time (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 L G. 1 year ago on Google • 431 reviews
    Beautiful synagogue that is still functioning, although it is also a historic site as well. The architecture is beautiful, and the place is very special, highly recommend the visit, and spending some quiet time, listening to the audio tours.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 a e (Five s. 7 months ago on Google • 123 reviews
    The oldest synagogue in Europe that is still in use on weekly basis, When services are not held it's open from visitors, you will be guided by a audio guide through the historical majestic architecture of hichal and the gallery the and to my opinion the most interesting of all is the treasures in the basement where you can see and get impressed of the rich culture of the Portuguese Judaism
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ann M. 1 year ago on Google • 34 reviews
    Such a beautiful & stunning Synagogue 🕍. It's so majestic and spiritual. I had 30 min just for my self to admire this amazing building. If you 're visit Amsterdam make sure you go there. ( easy to get there with tram from Central Station or just walk)
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Hanie N. 5 years ago on Google
    From entrance and behaviour of personel i can say that was nice. Really nice. But from the visiting... Actually here is not a gorgeous place. It was really normal. Normal building with different part of buildings. At the end there is a souvenir shops to buy something(like a juish hat) Remember you can visit 3 more places when you buy ticket of here
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pranav R. 1 year ago on Google • 497 reviews
    It is still functional house of prayer for the Portuguese Jewish people. It is a beautiful building inside out. It was built in 17th century without heat and light. Ans this building is still preserved as it was built.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark C. 1 year ago on Google • 311 reviews
    Included with the ticket of the Jewish History Museum across the street. This was a beautiful site. Audio tour included. Make sure you walk around the entire outside of the main building to see all the different areas/rooms that you can also view. Almost left without realizing there was so much more to see.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruth G. 3 months ago on Google • 401 reviews New
    Most beautiful place of Amsterdam. Fantastic acoustics for music (not for speech). Robbed of the ornaments by the Nazi's. Build after the instruction of the temple in the old book.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mubeen A. 2 years ago on Google
    The self guided tour was very informative. Great place to learn about Jewish history in Amsterdam.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Israela M. 6 years ago on Google
    The oldest synagogue in Europe: one feels the lack of technology (heat or electricity) as soon as walking in. Simple in design but the wooden work and brass candelabra, the sumptuous existence and preservation care worth visiting. The audio tour has high benefits especially in the area still used by the Jewish community. Sterling silver vintage artifacts are active tools in the daily rituals of Judaism. Bring your own siddur (prayer book). The 15€ ticket includes a visit to the Jewish Museum across the street and the Holocaust Museum which I had to cut from the list due to lack of time. So, 3 museums for the price of one if you start with the synagogue. Public toilets are available on the premises.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ahmad Z. 5 years ago on Google
    A great insight into Jewish culture and history, very interesting. Reminder of 17th century. It was Europe's largest synagogue that they used it as a munitions dump, which is the main reason that it were not destroyed during the wars.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hans van den B. 2 years ago on Google
    As part of the Jewish history of the Netherlands a place you must visit. A great collection tells all about Jewish faith as well as about the Portugese Jews who settled in Amsterdam. Impressive how the volunteers welcome you and take care of everything. Don't forget to show respect when entering.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adv D. 3 years ago on Google
    One ticket will gain you access to the Portuguese Synagogue, the Jewish Historical center and both Holocaust Memorials. This beautiful temple is worth the effort. An audio guide is included and gives you the history of this late 17th century building. There is no electricity in the synagogue, so the building is not heated and it's lit only by the candles in the chandeliers. Near the entry point, there's a treasures building with a video presentation and audio guide points showing artifacts used in the synagogue.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeroen B. 3 years ago on Google
    Oh so grand and yet oh so simple. Over the years 1616 - 1670 it had to be built in an understated way in order not to upset the Protestant City magistrates. And on top of that, Dutch Protestant churches at the time were all about humbleness as well. There's only one 'Esnoga' and this is it. It has a few biblical temple details like the 'lion's feet' - most people don't know to look for. (all the way on the backside of the building). The Aron Ha-Kodesh (holy ark) built from Brazilian Jacaranda wood where the Torah scrolls are kept, is overpowering. The atmosphere is wonderful and if the winter shul (smaller synagogue for cold winter days) is open for visiting, it's gorgeous in its simplicity as well. You have to book an appointment to see the library, which has a world-class priceless collection of Judaica (Etz Haim). Absolute treasures from a literary point of view. It's worth it to request (book ahead) a private guide if you have the time. It'll help with security as well. Expect a good amount of security. Bring your passport for obvious reasons.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Solly F. 3 weeks ago on Google • 34 reviews New
    Have a cheek to charge €17 to see the synagogue. Who gives them permission to charge so much. Max €5!!!! My grandfather built this synagogue and arranged the payments. Most of the areas are restricted. Complete waste of time. Zero history about the synagogue. The whole thing is about basic Judaism. Most people know what a Jew is anyways They need to drop their prices and give access to all areas!!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 גילי �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I missed five minutes, no one to talk to (Original) פספסתי בחמש דקות, לא היה עם מי לדבר
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew N. 9 months ago on Google
    A beautiful building well worth visiting. Outside is a statue of a docker, as a memorial to the dockers who went on strike in world war two in an attempt to stop the deportation of Dutch Jews by the Germans. The dockers leaders were shot.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Moty A. 2 years ago on Google
    Interesting place with interesting history, we enjoyed our visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeanne “beanso6” W. 8 months ago on Google
    Great visit, friendly staff and amazing architecture and history musy visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Moishi 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) An old and ancient and beautiful synagogue But there is not much to see there (Original) בית כנסת ישן ועתיק ויפה אבל אין הרבה מה לראות שם
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pesach S. 9 months ago on Google
    Well preserved and maintained synagogue from mediaeval Amsterdam, with a well done museum across the road.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J.B. L. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a work of art and so much to see. It's literally like walking into an antique. Great place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marta P. 4 years ago on Google
    I have visited a few synagogues in different part of the world, but this one is really impressive and interesting. Apart from the size and architecture, it offers a rare opportunity to go upstairs and take a look from the balcony.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 B. V. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful building and interesting to see the various areas. Audio guide very insightful as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Andrew “Andy” K. 1 month ago on Google • 125 reviews New
    Large is one good description here. I liked the audio guide but felt they can do more with it specially at the synagogue building. Staff are friendly. I wish they had more signs to show you the road. Not so busy when I went.

  • 4/5 Jessica O. 2 years ago on Google
    Magestic synagogue, Esnoga, built in the 17th Century. Selfguided tour. Priceless pieces in display, pieces that are still used today in the synagogue. You learn about the jewish community in the Netherlands throughout history and their near extinction after the Holocaust. Very informative tour, beautiful synagogue, can't recommend enough.

  • 1/5 Adriana R. 4 years ago on Google
    They wanted to charge me to visit the synagogue. It is a shame!!!

  • 4/5 Giannella L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) You can visit both the synagogue and its dependencies, the audio guide available in several languages ​​available and included within the entrance (Original) Se pueden visitar tanto la sinagoga como dependencias de esta, el audioguía disponible en varios idiomas disponible e incluído dentro de la entrada

  • 5/5 הדרן �. 2 years ago on Google
    An amazing place in its beauty, and inspiring. There are prayers on holidays and SHABAT. Need to be updated before arriving about the time of Tefila. You have to make sure they hear the knocks on the door from the street, otherwise they will not open. Worth the effort and reach.

  • 5/5 Fernanda H. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Great, so impressive !!! (Original) Geweldig, zo indrukwekkend !!!

  • 5/5 James O. 2 years ago on Google
    A sense of history pervades this building and complex

  • 5/5 Geraldine D. 3 months ago on Google New
    the place is so quiet and peaceful in an animated city that it seems a bit away from time. We really enjoyed the very informative visit of the synagogue. The audio guides are really good, with just the right amount of info. the movie in the treasury room is very interesting to help and understand the place of the jewish community in the city right from the 16th century. I would advise seeing it before going into the synagogue itself. A lot of rooms are open to the visitors. We felt really welcomed.

  • 5/5 Nira L. 3 months ago on Google New
    Gorgeous synagogue with rich history. Staff is welcoming. Highly recommend visiting both the shul and museum. Gift shop is excellent and has very uniquely Dutch Jewish souvenirs. Audio guide was super helpful!

  • 5/5 הדסה �. 10 months ago on Google
    We visited on a weekday and it eas under construction. I believe this is a must visit place but I think that if there are cinstruction and people can not see and enjoy the place fully, charge should be different

  • 5/5 Song 10 months ago on Google
    It is still a candlelit synagogue, no heating system and no electricity—perhaps a reflection of today’s Jewish community in Amsterdam? Anyway, it fits into the imagination of the congregation that excommunicated Spinoza and humiliated Da Costa. It carries an entrance fee of 18 Euros, which is valid for one-month and also for the Jewish museum across the street.

  • 3/5 Omry Y. 11 months ago on Google
    The synagogue is an interesting old building with a small display of the "Treasures" of the Jewish community. But why charge people for visiting a synagogue? Not justified and not good PR

  • 4/5 Chet B. 1 year ago on Google
    The facility speaks clearly of its long history and the deep religious beliefs help by it's congregants. It is an active synagogue, not a polished, for-display-only structure well worth seeing. It helps to remind people from younger nations of what existed long before their countries began. The only negative was that some of the audio tour stations were not functioning. A bonus...the ticket also provides admission to the Jewish Museum across the street

  • 5/5 Naftali S. 1 year ago on Google
    great for learning about the community. and cool that the history is still alive there.

  • 5/5 Jeremiah O. 1 year ago on Google
    It felt like being physically present in the past. Personally, the mourning room was the biggest highlight for me, having gone through some loss in this life.

  • 1/5 Solly F. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a disappointment to be charged €17 to see this shul. They didn’t offer a tour guide and most places are restricted to go to. The audio is all about Jewish religious. I wanted to hear about the history of the shul. Who gave them a right to charge so much. Very disappointed!!!

  • 5/5 שהם �. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing!! so beautiful and interesting

  • 5/5 Laura P. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful Synagogue, so much history and love the 1000 candles, would like to return to see them all litup. A service there sounds so beautiful

  • 5/5 Nedim E. 1 year ago on Google
    What a nice place to visit. You learn a lot about Sepharadic Jewish culture and existince in Amsterdam also a chance travel through time and see a great (still active) synagogue which has been preserved for nearly 600 years as it was built. You may also attend to concerts there, be aware you would need your coat in order to stay warm since the synagogue still using 1.000 candles to light and heat the synagogue.

  • 5/5 T W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great visit, beautiful building full of history. The tour doesn't take you long so can be easily combined with visiting other sites!

  • 5/5 C D. 1 year ago on Google
    For those interested by Jewish history, the Portuguese Synagogue is absolutely a must when visiting Amsterdam. Wonderful renovated place where you can also visit surrounding buildings and deep dive in the life of Portuguese Jewish immigrants in the Netherlands.

  • 5/5 A.N. 1 year ago on Google
    Magical experience of 1000 candles during MuseumNight 2022 ✨

  • 4/5 Fons H. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A special and historic building for the city of Amsterdam, both inside and outside. With an unprecedented architecture for Amsterdam from that time. (Original) Een bijzonder en historisch bouwwerk voor de stad Amsterdam, zowel binnen als buiten. Met een ongekende architectuur voor Amsterdam uit die tijd.

  • 5/5 Alexander S. 3 years ago on Google
    🤩🤩🤩

  • 5/5 ANTONIO M. 3 years ago on Google
    Must go there. Impressive 👍

  • 5/5 Martina W. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Was very impressive ... (Original) War sehr beeindruckend...

  • 4/5 Emile De J. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Unique synagogue from the 17th century. In good condition inside and out. (Original) Unieke synagoge uit 17e eeuw. E n in goede staat binnen en buiten.

  • 5/5 David U. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Former synagogue which is still in operation. Nice souvenir shop. (Original) Ancienne synagogue qui est toujours en activité. Belle boutique souvenirs.

  • 5/5 Michael R. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Must see in Amsterdam too (Original) Muss man auch in Amsterdam sehen

  • 4/5 Ursula M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Inside, the synagogue is completely made of wood, candlesticks and no electric lamps. Thanks to the available audio, everything is explained well. Very nice. (Original) De synagoge is binben helemaal van hout, kandelaars en geen electrische lampen. Dankzij de beschikbare audio wordt alles goed uitgelegd. Heel mooi.

  • 5/5 Rachel K. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful, wood from Brazil! Lots of ancient history! Worth the ride! (Original) Lindíssima, madeira vindas do Brasil! Muita história antiga! Valeu o passeio!

  • 5/5 Chaim A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beit Shalom (Original) Beit Shalom

  • 5/5 Dr. Jose G. Lepervanche V. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) We visited the Portuguese synagogue in Amsterdam in search of our Semah family from Valencia. Our uncle Joel Valencia Parparcen visited this synagogue and wrote asking his relatives to come and find our family #SemahDeValencia. We also visited the Jewish Historical Museum next door. #DrLepervanche_Amsterdam # DrLepervanche2016 (Original) Visitamos la sinagoga portuguesa de Amsterdam en busqueda de nuestra familia Semah de Valencia. Nuestro tío Joel Valencia Parparcen visitó esta sinagoga y escribió pidiéndonos a sus familiares que vinieran a buscar a nuestra familia #SemahDeValencia. También visitamos el Museo Histórico Judío al lado. #DrLepervanche_Amsterdam #DrLepervanche2016

  • 4/5 Ad H. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Quiet. Beautiful but unnaturally serene (Original) Stil. Prachtig maar onnatuurlijk sereen

  • 5/5 Nel 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful! (Original) Mooi!

  • 1/5 Lord D. 3 years ago on Google
    Yikes

  • 5/5 Marcel W. 5 years ago on Google
    Really impressive! The interior of the synagogue is original 17th century.

  • 5/5 Huilian Q. 4 years ago on Google
    I was there for the candle lit concert. It was beautiful inside! But don’t expect nice acoustics.

  • 5/5 KamillA Z. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing place to visit. The sinagouge is beautiful. There's no electricity in the main building and the light is coming through the windows or they using the light of candles to light up the place.

  • 4/5 Catarina C. 3 years ago on Google
    The museum's audio-guide is very well organized and clear and on top: Portuguese is also available. It was a very interesting experience.

  • 5/5 שרית �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The synagogue tells the story of the community on the spot, the collection of funds, the soup kitchen and more. It is recommended to purchase an integrated ticket with the Jewish Museum, which presents the history of Jewish settlement in Amsterdam. For history lovers. (Original) בית הכנסת מסםר את סיפורה של הקהילה במקום, גביית הכספים, בית התמחוי ועוד. מומלץ לרכוש כרטיס משולב עם המוזיאון היהודי המציג את תולדות ההתישבות היהודית באמסטרדם. לחובבי היסטוריה.

  • 5/5 חנוך �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A special experience of Jewish history. (Original) חוויה מיוחדת של היסטוריה יהודית.

  • 5/5 Claudia B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Definitely worth seeing (Original) Sehr sehenswert

  • 4/5 Ramona P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Entry to the synagogue was part of the IAmsterdam Card. The audio guide was quite interesting, the treasury had no descriptions and a film only in Dutch without subtitles, so I hardly took anything with me there. The audio guide said the candles were on after sunset. The view is definitely worth it. (Original) Der Eintritt in die Synagoge war Teil der IAmsterdam-Card. Der Audioguide war durchaus interessant, die Schatzkammer hatte keine Beschreibungen und einen Film nur auf Niederländisch ohne Untertitel, dort habe ich also so gut wie nichts mitgenommen. Der Audioguide sagte, dass nach Sonnenuntergang die Kerzen an seien. Der Blick lohnt sich bestimmt.

  • 5/5 Ellen K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice and honest meeting Crystal night 2019. (Original) Mooi en integere bijeenkomst Kristalnacht 2019.

  • 5/5 Jimmy L N. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing. Breathtaking. Full of mystery. Lovely. Awe inspiring. Still lit by thousands of candles...woodwork...priceless treasures...dripping with history...MUST SEE!

  • 4/5 Roméo R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) pretty one (Original) Jolie

  • 5/5 טלי �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) So beautiful. There are headphones with explanations in Hebrew (Original) כל כך יפה. יש אוזניות עם הסברים בעברית

  • 5/5 Rouven F. 4 years ago on Google
    #Moments

  • 5/5 רונן �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The Jewish Quarter of Venice has an area where there is a museum on the Jews of Venice and 5 synagogues. A must see for every Jew who comes to Venice. (Original) ברובע היהודי בוונציה יש מתחם שבו יש מוזיאון על היהודים בוונציה ו 5 בתי כנסת. אתר חובה לכל יהודי שמגיע לונציה.

  • 5/5 Jacqueline van H. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Impressive to visit ... Unfortunately just a little too short of time to have a good look at everything .. So soon a second visit! (Original) Indrukwekkend om te bezoeken... Helaas net iets te kort tijd om alles goed te bekijken.. Dus binnenkort tweede bezoek!

  • 5/5 Miguel F. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very good to know the history of this Synagogue also includes a visit to the Holocaust Memorial. (Original) Muito bom para conhecer a história desta Sinagoga inclui também a visita ao Memorial do Holocausto.

  • 4/5 Mira R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful synagogue, but cold in the winter (Original) Prachtig synagoge, wel koud in de winter

  • 5/5 Lazy E. 4 years ago on Google
    It has a lot of Jewish history

  • 4/5 Rohan K. 4 years ago on Google
    beautiful, Serene

  • 5/5 Ajitesh S. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing

  • 5/5 David D. 4 years ago on Google
    🌟

  • 5/5 Richard P. 4 years ago on Google
    Enlightening and historic.


Call +31 20 624 5351 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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