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Jewish Heritage of Curacao: Explore the Oldest Synagogue in the Americas and Historical Sites
4.8
56 Ratings
Willemstad
The Jewish history of Curacao is intriguing, and it is home to the oldest Synagogue in the Americas. Take a tour with a knowledgeable guide who will provide in-depth information about the Jewish community on the island and take you to significant historical locations.
The Jewish history of Curacao is intriguing, and it is home to the oldest Synagogue in the Americas. Take a tour with a knowledgeable guide who will provide in-depth information about the Jewish community on the island and take you to significant historical locations.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
-
Mongui Maduro Museum - Begin your journey at the Beth Haim Jewish cemetery, established in 1659. It is the oldest Caucasian cemetery on the island and in the Western Hemisphere, and is recognized as a Curacao National Monument.
Next, visit the Rooi Catootje plantation house, another historic site designed as a tranquil retreat. Dating back to…
- Mongui Maduro Museum - Begin your journey at the Beth Haim Jewish cemetery, established in 1659. It is the oldest Caucasian cemetery on the island and in the Western Hemisphere, and is recognized as a Curacao National Monument.
Next, visit the Rooi Catootje plantation house, another historic site designed as a tranquil retreat. Dating back to around 1820, it was originally called “Rust en Vrede,” meaning “Rest and Peace.” The Maduro family has owned the house since 1853, and it is now preserved as a museum.
- Landhuis Chobolobo - This estate, owned by a Jewish family, is where Curacao liquor is produced. Tour the house to learn more about the family’s history and name. Before you leave, take the chance to sample this renowned local product.
- Scharloo - Drive through the historic Jewish neighborhood of Scharloo, where you can admire the old, colorful buildings and former slave houses.
- Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue - Take a guided tour inside the synagogue for an intimate look at religious life in Curacao. The Jewish faith has been continuously practiced here since 1732, and the congregation itself dates back to 1651. Many of Curacao’s earliest Jewish residents relocated to the island to escape persecution, and they remained cautious about their beliefs even as they established their congregation and built their synagogues nearly a century later.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Round-trip shared transfer
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Transportation between sights
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Round-trip shared transfer
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Transportation between sights
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Pickup from Sandals Hotel, Jhantiel or Banda Abou Area
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Pickup from Sandals Hotel, Jhantiel or Banda Abou Area
Additional Information
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Shared Tour
- Minimum drinking age is…
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Shared Tour
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Not recommended for child aged 4 and under
- Dress code is casual
Location
Gouverneur van Slobbeweg
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(56 Ratings)
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Anonymous
Oct 25, 2024
Great experience - This tour and tour guide were excellent. The sites of the museum, Jewish cemetery and temple were excellent our tour guide And Driver exceeded expectations and handled a situation where we were not allowed admission into the temple because they were services being held, in a fantastic way. They actually added time to our tour so that we saw all the sites that were promised. All in all, it was great decision to go on this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Brian_g
Jul 15, 2024
Jewish Curacao - Great guide. Very culturally competent and respectful. Felt very safe. Touching tour and highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Rose_p
May 8, 2024
Must do! - Bigala Cecilia was our tour guide and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. She was so thorough and so knowledgeable and took us to everything that was Jewish related. She knew the answers to every single question we could ask and she was so engaged and you could tell she loved doing the tour. The tour was super insightful, interesting and informative! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Sightsee815531
Feb 12, 2024
Excellent tour - Ralph, our guide, did a great job! He explained Jewish history in Curacao, took us to the old neighborhoods, synagogues, and museums. An added bonus, visit to the Curacao liqueur factory.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hadassaheperez
Feb 11, 2024
Shabbat Service in Curaçao - This synagogue is amazing and exceptionally beautiful. The museum doesn’t permit photos. If time permits take the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julia
Feb 10, 2024
Great tour of Jewish Heritage - Great tour, fascinating history. Our tour guide was wonderful, we would never find these places ourselves. Everyone was very friendly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert
Feb 3, 2024
Great tour - Great tour. The synagogue is beautiful, and the guides are friendly and informative. Museum is very nice. We also made a stop at the Curaço distillery.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Neil_b
Jan 10, 2024
Jude thanks for great tour - Jude was a great tour guide
Almost 5 hours Toured 2 cemeteries
Highlight was the synagogue with the sand floor
Oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere
Review provided by Viator
S7097gjcheryls
Dec 30, 2023
Jewish heritage tour - We enjoyed the tour and learned a lot! The van was comfortable and air conditioned. Our tour guide, Jude, was knowledgeable and personable. We visited two cemeteries in addition to the regularly scheduled sites. The driver and your guide were extremely generous with their time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Phylroth
Dec 28, 2023
Awesome - Fantastic all around. Jude was an amazing informative knowable guide! He showed us everything we expected and more!
Review provided by Viator
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