How long does it take to walk the Jewish History route?

The walking route typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This duration includes time to stop and reflect at monuments like the Holocaust Names Monument and the Schaduwkade, though entering the museums will add more time to your journey.

Is the Portuguese Synagogue worth visiting?

Yes, it is considered one of the most beautiful and historically significant synagogues in the world. Its 17th-century interior, which lacks modern electricity and is lit by candles, offers a unique glimpse into the Dutch Golden Age.

Can I see the Holocaust Names Monument for free?

Yes, the National Holocaust Names Monument is an outdoor memorial that is free and accessible to the public. It features over 102,000 bricks, each dedicated to an individual victim of the Holocaust.

Where does the Jewish history walk start?

The walk begins at the Jewish Museum on Nieuwe Amstelstraat. The location is easily accessible via the Waterlooplein Metro station, which serves lines 51, 53, and 54.

Is the Amsterdam Jewish Quarter walk accessible for wheelchairs?

The route is generally accessible as it follows flat city sidewalks. The major sites, including the Names Monument and the Jewish Museum, are designed with accessibility in mind, though some older canal-side paths may have uneven pavement.

What is the 'No More Auschwitz' monument?

Located in Wertheimpark, it is a memorial created by Jan Wolkers featuring cracked mirrors. It serves as a place of reflection on the horrors of the Holocaust and is the site of the annual Dutch Auschwitz commemoration.

What is the best time to explore the Jodenbuurt?

The best time is during weekday mornings when the streets are quieter. This allows for a more somber and reflective experience at the memorials before the afternoon visitor traffic increases.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Walking through the Jodenbuurt, or Jewish Quarter, is more than just a stroll; it is an encounter with the resilience of a community that has shaped Amsterdam's identity for centuries. This neighborhood stroll invites you to explore the layered history of the city, from the prosperity of the Dutch Golden Age to the somber echoes of the Second World War. As you begin your self-guided adventure, you will find yourself in a district that was once the heart of Jewish life in Europe, a place where philosophers like Spinoza once walked and where grand synagogues rose as symbols of religious freedom. This walking route takes you past iconic landmarks that tell a story of both triumph and tragedy. You can discover the architectural grandeur of the Portuguese Synagogue, an 17th-century marvel that remains largely unchanged since its completion. Nearby, the modern landscape shifts to a place of deep reflection at the National Holocaust Names Monument, where over 102,000 bricks bear the names of those who never returned. Unlike a typical walking tour Amsterdam offers, this audio walk allows you to linger at these sites of memory, offering the space and silence necessary to absorb the weight of the history around you. Beyond the major monuments, this journey leads you to hidden gems like the Schaduwkade, a quiet canal-side memorial that personalizes the scale of loss by listing the names of deported residents directly across from their former homes. You will also explore the serene Wertheimpark and finish your journey at the home of one of history’s greatest artists, Rembrandt, who lived and worked amongst this vibrant community. By choosing to explore independently, you can set your own pace, perhaps stopping for a coffee by the Amstel or spending extra time in the many museums that line this route. This self-guided walk is an essential experience for anyone wishing to understand the soul of Amsterdam and the enduring spirit of its Jewish heritage.

Highlights

The 17th-century majesty of the Portuguese Synagogue

The powerful National Holocaust Names Monument by Daniel Libeskind

Personal stories of the Schaduwkade memorial along the Nieuwe Keizersgracht

The 'No More Auschwitz' monument in the peaceful Wertheimpark

The Jewish Museum complex housed in four monumental synagogues

The historic Rembrandt House Museum in the heart of the former Jewish district

Tour Stops (6)

Jewish Museum

Start exploring with Zigway here at the Jewish Museum, located in the heart of the old Jewish Quarter. This isn't just one building, but a complex of four monumental synagogues dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and religion of Jews in the Netherlands. As you stand before these structures, consider that until the mid-20th century, this area was the center of a thriving community of over 80,000 people. The museum highlights the integration of Jewish culture into Dutch society and the devastating impact of the Holocaust, serving as both a celebration of life and a place of remembrance.

Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam

Known to the locals as the 'Esnoga,' this magnificent building was completed in 1675. At the time, it was the largest synagogue in the world, a testament to the wealth and influence of the Sephardic Jewish community who fled the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal. One of its most remarkable features is that it still has no electric heating or lighting; it is illuminated by the glow of over 1,000 candles during evening services. Notice the fine sand on the wooden floor, a traditional Dutch way to absorb moisture and muffle the sound of footsteps. It stands as a rare survivor of the Second World War, remaining largely intact.

National Holocaust Names Monument

This striking memorial, designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, was unveiled in 2021. It consists of high brick walls arranged in the shape of four Hebrew letters that spell out a word meaning 'In Memory Of.' Each of the 102,000 bricks is inscribed with the name, date of birth, and age of a Dutch victim of the Holocaust who has no known grave. As you walk through the narrow passages between the walls, the sheer scale of the loss becomes tangible. The reflective steel surfaces atop the brick walls mirror the sky and the surrounding city, symbolizing the void left in the fabric of Amsterdam.

De Schaduwkade (Shadow Quay)

Located along the Nieuwe Keizersgracht, the Schaduwkade is a deeply personal and local memorial. Look across the canal at the houses; then, look at the metal plates on the canal wall where you are standing. Each plate bears the name of a Jewish resident who was deported from the house directly opposite. This 'Shadow Quay' serves to bridge the gap between the past and the present, reminding us that the tragedy of the Holocaust happened in these specific doorways and behind these very windows. It is a quiet, contemplative spot that honors the individuals who were once part of the daily life of this neighborhood.

Wertheimpark

Wertheimpark is the oldest park in Amsterdam, but it holds a significant place in the city's modern memory. Inside, you will find the Auschwitz Monument, created by artist and writer Jan Wolkers. The monument consists of broken mirrors laid upon the ground, titled 'No More Auschwitz.' The cracked glass is intended to reflect the sky, symbolizing that the heavens are no longer whole after the horrors that took place. It is a site of annual commemoration every January. The park itself offers a peaceful moment of respite, surrounded by the greenery that has seen the neighborhood change through the centuries.

Rembrandt House Museum

Your neighborhood stroll concludes at the Jodenbreestraat, where the master painter Rembrandt van Rijn lived from 1639 to 1658. Rembrandt chose this area specifically because it was a bustling, diverse neighborhood. He often used his Jewish neighbors as models for his biblical paintings, seeking a sense of authenticity that was revolutionary at the time. Although he was not Jewish himself, his life was intricately woven into the community here. The house has been meticulously restored to look as it did in the 17th century, offering a glimpse into the creative heart of the Golden Age and the multicultural atmosphere that defined this district long ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

The historic Jewish Quarter is known as the Jodenbuurt. It is located in the center of Amsterdam, primarily around the Waterlooplein and the Plantage neighborhood, and has been the center of Jewish life since the 1600s.