We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 54 Willemstad Attractions »

Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue

PO Box 322, Willemstad, Curacao
599-9-4611067
Ranked #3 of 25 attractions in Willemstad
4.5 of 5 stars 57 Reviews
Type: Religious Sites, Historic Sites, History Museums, Museums
Description: The Western Hemisphere's oldest synagogue in continuous use was founded in 1651 by 12 families from Amsterdam.
Update attraction details
Write a Review

57 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    36
    12
    6
    1
    2
Date Rating
St. Catharines, Canada
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

a lot of history to learn here, very interesting. I particularly liked seeing the actually star of david worn by a WW2 survivor. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Winter Park, Florida
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

We tried twice to get into see the synagogue. The guard at the wall/gate would not let us past the entrance unless we payed $10. Not even just to see the synagogue. I've never had to pay to see the inside of a church. Also, they are closed to visitors on both Saturday and Sunday. We were well dressed, even... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by iwanderafar for Willemstad
Willemstad, Curacao
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012

Very well kept treasure. Beautiful building. How many people are aware of the history of the jews here? More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 38 more reviews by Roel525 for Willemstad
South Bend
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2012

The synagogue is remarkable for the sand-strewn floors, the museum for its efforts to connect the history of the Jewish congregation to many sites and unfolding events on the island of Curacao. It's interesting to contemplate how the island was a refuge for the displaced Sephardic community but a land of woe for the many African slaves who arrived after... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by AVikingAbroad for Willemstad
Columbus, Ohio
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2012

Cool to look at.....didn't go in for the $10 tour though. just got pics outside. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by sheadog00 for Willemstad
Haifa
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 20, 2012

Very beautiful historic site. The synagogue and the museum were facinating. Very long Jewish history in this place. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by S K for Willemstad
Seattle, Washington
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 19, 2012

Interesting to see. Had trouble finding it but once found, it was cool to see the floor is sand. Other than that, it's JUST ok. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by IAN S for Willemstad
muzicgirl
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2012

We wanted to see the whole site, but it costs 10 bucks to get in. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by muzicgirl for Willemstad
London, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2012

Very moving, very interesting. Only synagoge I've ever been to with a floor covered in sand. Interesting explanation for this as well! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by luedenscheid for Willemstad
Longmont
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 5, 2012

This is a lovely place to visit. The sand floor is quite humbling. The architecture quite stunning. And to think your standing in the middle of the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the western hemisphere is pretty amazing. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by Glenda R for Willemstad

Travelers who viewed Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue also viewed

Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge
4.5 of 5 stars 209 Reviews
Willemstad, Curacao
Knip Bay
4.5 of 5 stars 51 Reviews
Curacao, Caribbean
 
Curacao Dolphin Academy
4.5 of 5 stars 159 Reviews
Willemstad, Curacao
Kura Hulanda Museum
4.5 of 5 stars 114 Reviews
Willemstad, Curacao
 

Been to Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »