Travel Channel

Nidhe Israel Synagogue

Historic Jewish site in the New World

Synagogue Lane
Bridgetown, BB

Phone: +1 246 432 0840

Among the oldest of synagogues in the Western Hemisphere, this place was built in 1654 by Jews from Brazil, who were escaping the Inquisition. The original synagogue was destroyed by a hurricane and built again in the 1830s. The current building was beautifully restored in a major project (1984-1990) sponsored by the small local Jewish community and the Barbados National Trust. The synagogue has elaborate interiors, with detailed woodwork and elegant chandeliers. The cemetery, with some headstones in Hebrew, dates from the 1660s. To arrange for tours, just call them.