Arrivals & Survival of Jews in Mexico from 1519
Overview
Uncover the hidden tapestry of Mexican Jewish heritage!
Embark on a historical walk through 5 centuries of Jewish life in Mexico.
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure that weaves together history, culture, and incredible human resilience.
See the firs Sephardic temple, a living monument to cultural preservation and step inside the historic first Ashkenazi synagogue... feel the echoes of generations past.
From crypto-Jews of the Viceregal era to 20th-century refugees seeking a new home, every stone, every building, every story has a profound tale waiting to be discovered.
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Entrance to some public and private places has been agreed and has been either waived or included.
- Local Guide
✗ Not Included
- Gratuities
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
We will begin with an intro chat from a terrace overlooking the ruins of the Great Aztec Temple showing the modern peaceful coexistence of religions in Mexico.
2
Stop 2
We walk behind the Metropolitan Cathedral to see the Chapel of the Souls where the teachings against heresy (other religions) are displayed at a vantage point from where we can appreciate the colonial architecture designed "to keep the Jews away," imposed by the Spanish Inquisition.
3
Stop 3
We visit the main trading marketplace from the 16th to the 19th centuries where Jews-in-Hiding had to come and trade their merchandise as they were being watched from the Palace of the Inquisition. At the palace, we decipher its anti-Semitic hidden messages as well as those on the Santo Domingo church at the starting point of El Camino Real, a safe haven for Jewish traveling traders of the time.
4
Stop 4
We will pass by the Administration building of the Inquisition as well as their living quarters, right next to its Perpetual Prison, where Jews were tortured and sentenced to death.
5
Stop 5
We will see from the outside, the place where Diego Rivera (of Sephardic origin) met Frida Kahlo (of Ashkenazim origin), to learn how the Mexican anti-Fascist movement supported the cancellation of the first and only ever anti-Semitic national convention and the reception as a refugee of Lev Davidovich Bronstein (a.k.a. Leon Trotsky).
6
Stop 6
At Plaza Loreto, we pass by the first purposedly-built synagogue, Sephardic Mount Sinai, in Mexico, and the neighboring one, the first Ashkenazim one, Nidjei Israel, where the experience comes to an end.
7
Stop 7
We visit the decommissioned and first Ashkenazim shul in Mexico.
Meeting & End Point
📍
Meeting Point
We meet outside Number 15, República de Argentina Street, curbside, right at the door marked with #15. It is the main door and it is not at the corner. It is at the heart of Mexico City's Historic Center.
🏁
End Point
We end right in front of Loreto Park, on the Justo Sierra Street (South) side.
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Good to Know
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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