Once a great, conquering seafaring nation, Portugal has a history and culture as proud and as intrepid as any in Europe. Today, large tracts of it remain unchanged, almost like a land out of time, where beautiful traditions survive the ravages of progress.

 

From rolling vineyards to grand historic structures, magic waterscapes to endlessly engaging vistas, Portugal’s lazy charm tends to seep into your consciousness slowly, seducing you without you realizing it. However, by the time you’ve fully explored its wondrous valleys and friendly village communities, you’ll find yourself thoroughly and hopelessly in love.

 

The Douro is one of the major rivers flowing through the Iberian Peninsula. This sun-kissed waterway starts its journey in northern-central Spain before passing through mainland Portugal to its final outlet in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Porto.

 

An important maritime port and commercial town, Porto was one of the cities where Jews settled in Portugal. The history of the Jewish community of the capital of the northern region is inseparable from the history of the Hebrew presence in Portugal. In the Douro region there are also villages, cities and small towns where important Jewish communities once lived. Join Kosher River Cruise’s as we discover a heritage filled cruise with memories recalling a community that settled in this country between the 5th and 15th centuries.

 

The Sephardic Jews contributed in different ways to the Portuguese culture during that period, and Porto and The Douro were not indifferent to such an influence, especially because Lamego was one of the two major existing Jewish communities between the rivers Douro and Tejo.

 

Protected by the monarchy, the Jews – philosophers, humanists, scientists and merchants – were decisive in several important moments of Portuguese history, namely for their financial and scientific contributions during the Discoveries.

 

The Jews worshipped in secret even after the Portuguese kings ordered their deportation from the country, following the events in Spain in 1496. While it is true that some Jews converted to Catholicism, becoming New-Christians and that many left the country, many others stayed and kept their faith in secret.  From those days, symbolic features and engravings can still be seen in the old Jewish quarters throughout this region. From Mezuzot carved on buildings’ stone doorframes to the names of streets indicating the existence of a Jewish community, join Kosher River Cruises for a luxury cruise filled with history and heritage on one of Europe’s most stunning scenic rivers.