Touro Synagogue
Touro Synagogue
4.5
About
Dedicated in 1763, this is the oldest synagogue in the United States.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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241 within 3 miles
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139 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- ROCruiserClaremont, California4,634 contributionsNext time, maybeWe really wanted to see this place and it was the first sight we stopped at after getting off the tender. Unfortunately, the whole place was closed. We walked around the buildings with no luck to get inside. Possibly too early? Well, at least we got to see the outside of the buildings.Visited October 2022Written December 26, 2022
- jilliangran9 contributionsThis is a must-see attraction!We were a little disappointed when we arrived to find out it was closed Wednesdays in May. Nowhere was that fact stated on the website or any Internet source. Fortunately we had one more day in Newport so we could return. And we were glad we did. The talk was very informative about the history of Newport, specifically the religious history.. We were very impressed with the knowledge of the guide.Visited May 2023Written June 4, 2023
- Joanne DWestford, Massachusetts144 contributionsFabulous education about religious freedom in Colonial times. Must visit for those intersted in our history.For Jews and non-Jews alike, visit this fabulous piece of history in Newport. The visitors center is new and gorgeous with videos, photos, artifacts, interactive exhibits, and of course, a gift shop! The grounds and gardens are stunning, the flowers are all bloom. The synagogue tour and the inside of the synagogue are riveting. There is so much to learn about Jewish and Colonial life in the 1700's and 1800's, it's a history lesson just being there. The guide did a great job. The only tricky part is parking, look for a paid lot nearby or you will be going in circles.Thank you for your kind review!Written July 20, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 17, 2023
- SunshinemvMartha's Vineyard, Massachusetts114 contributionsMagnificent HistoryOur guide was incredible. The historical value of this synagogue is truly magnificent. I actually wept when I read General Washington’s letter of promise to the worship community. As relevant today as it was during the creation of our country. An absolute must do for anyone visiting Newport RIVisited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 26, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
502 reviews
Excellent
397
Very good
82
Average
17
Poor
4
Terrible
2
jilliangran
9 contributions
May 2023
We were a little disappointed when we arrived to find out it was closed Wednesdays in May. Nowhere was that fact stated on the website or any Internet source. Fortunately we had one more day in Newport so we could return. And we were glad we did. The talk was very informative about the history of Newport, specifically the religious history.. We were very impressed with the knowledge of the guide.
Written June 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Theresa C
Allendale, NJ782 contributions
Oct 2021
We attended a presentation in Touro's gardens. The docent talked about Touro's beginnings. Several Sephardic Jewish families immigrated to Newport in the late 1600s and formed the Jeshuat Israel congregation. They built the Touro Synagogue in 1763. It is the oldest synagogue building in North America. The docent told us the elders transferred the deed to the New York congregation for safekeeping when the revolutionary war broke out and that congregation now owns Touro.
After the initial presentation, we walked over to the entrance of the synagogue. We were allowed to view the interior from the threshold, but couldn't go inside due to Covid.
After the initial presentation, we walked over to the entrance of the synagogue. We were allowed to view the interior from the threshold, but couldn't go inside due to Covid.
Written January 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jerrys01
Bel Air, MD574 contributions
Oct 2022
My wife and I had the pleasure of touring the synagogue during our recent cruise stop in Newport. The synagogue is a little small but is very beautiful inside. I was reminded of the small chapel of the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam and was told that synagogue was one of the inspirations for Touro.
The docent did a good job of explaining the history, including talking about the relative non-use of the synagogue for most of the 19th century. She also talked about the letter George Washington wrote to the congregation in the 1790s, which was similar to letters the president wrote to synagogues in Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA at around the same time, where freedom of religion was advocated.
The docent did a good job of explaining the history, including talking about the relative non-use of the synagogue for most of the 19th century. She also talked about the letter George Washington wrote to the congregation in the 1790s, which was similar to letters the president wrote to synagogues in Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA at around the same time, where freedom of religion was advocated.
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rharha
Great Neck, NY129 contributions
Apr 2022
At last the Touro Synagogue is re-opened and a definite must see! There is an excellent tour guide who gives the history of the synagogue. There is also a lovely gift shop. The Synagogue itself is orthodox and people still worship here. Jewish families emigrated from Spain and Portugal and it is the oldest synagogue in the U.S. I can’t rave about this synagogue and tour guide enough…just a real honor to be here. A definite must-see! Tour guide speaks about 40-45 minutes.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brooklyn478
Brooklyn, NY436 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Fascinating to hear about the history of the Touro Synagogue and what life was like in old Newport. Our docent was excellent and knew so much about the history of the synagogue. We were only able to peek in the front door and we’re not able to go inside due to Covid restrictions. Highly recommend a visit. The Visitor center down the hill is with some time too before heading up to the synagogue.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EasyTraveler2000
Philadelphia, PA155 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This is a Must See for all Newport visitors. The Touro Synagogue has an amazing history dating back hundreds of years. As the oldest synagogue in North America, the story of Touro reflects the importance of freedom of religion in the United States.
Tours are offered on most weekdays and our guide, Maude, was fantastic. Her comments were quite informative and she did a great job of engaging with visitors of all ages - including a class of 4th graders.
Tours are offered on most weekdays and our guide, Maude, was fantastic. Her comments were quite informative and she did a great job of engaging with visitors of all ages - including a class of 4th graders.
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yayasuzanne
Middlebury, CT9 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Had forgotten about this during the pandemic shut down and recent reminded. Did the walking tour first, guide was fantastic. The women behind the visitor checking very helpful. This is an important place in out history. Visited by president washington which led to his statement about religious freedom for all
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunshinemv
Martha's Vineyard, MA114 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Our guide was incredible. The historical value of this synagogue is truly magnificent. I actually wept when I read General Washington’s letter of promise to the worship community. As relevant today as it was during the creation of our country. An absolute must do for anyone visiting Newport RI
Written September 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne D
Westford, MA144 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
For Jews and non-Jews alike, visit this fabulous piece of history in Newport. The visitors center is new and gorgeous with videos, photos, artifacts, interactive exhibits, and of course, a gift shop! The grounds and gardens are stunning, the flowers are all bloom. The synagogue tour and the inside of the synagogue are riveting. There is so much to learn about Jewish and Colonial life in the 1700's and 1800's, it's a history lesson just being there. The guide did a great job. The only tricky part is parking, look for a paid lot nearby or you will be going in circles.
Written July 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review!
Written July 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ROCruiser
Claremont, CA4,634 contributions
Oct 2022
We really wanted to see this place and it was the first sight we stopped at after getting off the tender. Unfortunately, the whole place was closed. We walked around the buildings with no luck to get inside. Possibly too early? Well, at least we got to see the outside of the buildings.
Written December 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly N
Charlotte, NC1 contribution
may I visit on a day other than Sunday in April?
Nancy P
Delray Beach, FL297 contributions
Beginning April 28th, they are open Sundays through Fridays from 10 am to 1:30 pm.
Prior to April 28th, they are only open on Sundays from 11 am to 1:30 pm.
Other than that, you may attend services on Friday evening (7 pm) or Saturday morning (8:45 am). It won't be the same as the tour but you'll see the inside of the schule.
Hope this helps.
cwduo
Montreal, Canada2 contributions
Is there a tour that takes you to the Synagogue or did you purchase the tour at the site?
How long was the tour?
Thanks.
Lynette K
Melbourne, Australia88 contributions
We drove to the synagogue as part of a day trip from Providence. We bought the tour on arrival. Make sure you check the website and go when it’s open!
ruben2121
Coventry, RI
What is the cost for the tour and are tours available tomorrow Jan 15th.
Meryle C
Newport, RI
Yes we are open for tours on Sunday, January 15th from 12-2 with the last tour at 1:30. Our visitors center opens at 11:30 and closes at 2:30.
Entrance fees range from $8-$12 with no charge for children 13 and younger.
Shimon A
New York City, NY15 contributions
When is the synagogue open for tours tomorrow? We would really like to come by before we depart.
LoveFunTravels
Orange Park, FL377 contributions
I believe the first tour is at 10 and the last is around 3 ish. Tours every half hour in between. We went on a Sunday and bought tickets 10 minutes before the tour with no issues. The visitor center opens before and stays open later.
Great tour. Hope it works out for you.
R u open Monday April 25 for tour
WebsterFoodie
Worcester, MA403 contributions
Open hours vary. Check the web site for hours.
What is the time the synagogue is open to visitors? (We are planning to be in Newport on May6 and 7)
Meryle C
Newport, RI
We are open for tours on Friday May 6 from 12-2 with the last tour at 1:30. We are open for services on May 7 starting at 8:45 am.
schubert81
Poughkeepsie, NY2 contributions
Will there be Friday Night services this week? What time do they start? Is there a cost for admission?
delaware104
Newark, DE114 contributions
There should be services. They also have services mid week as well. No fee. Check with the welcome center for up to date info.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Touro Synagogue
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Touro Synagogue Information
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