Jewish Heritage of Curacao Tour
Curacao has a fascinating Jewish history and the oldest Synagogue in the Americas, see it with an experienced guide.
Curacao has a fascinating Jewish history and the oldest Synagogue in the Americas. On this tour, join an experienced guide who will explain in detail about the Jewish community on the island and will take you to historical places. Today in Curacao there are two Jewish congregations: the Sephardim, who practice reconstruction Judaism, and the Ashkenazim, who practice modern orthodox or traditional Judaism.
Your first stop is the Beth Haim Jewish cemetery, consecrated in 1659, and a Curacao National Monument. Then you will visit another historic site, the Rooi Catootje plantation house. It dates to about 1820 and was originally known as "Rust en Vrede," which translates as "Rest and Peace." The house has now been preserved as a museum. Continue to the 17th-century plantation house Chobolobo, owned by a Jewish family, where Curacao liquor is produced. Tour the house and before leaving, take the opportunity to enjoy samples of this famous local product. The final part of your excursion will end with a drive through the old Jewish neighborhood of Scharloo. Make a stop at a synagogue for an up-close look at religious life in Curacao.
Duration: 3 hours