About Nidhe Israel Synagogue And Museum

Nidhe Israel Synagogue And Museum 

Located off James Street, the synagogue has been totally restored to its original condition and open to the public and available through tours. It was an easy 20-minute walk from the port. One of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere and was first built sometime in the 1600s.  It is an impressive building and a must-see for history lovers. Interesting features of the synagogue include the marble accents and mahogany furniture. The synagogue was abandoned in 1929 but saved and restored by the Jewish community in 1983. Next to the building is a cemetery with headstones that date back to the 17th century. The cemetery is well preserved and marks the graves of settlers from the pre-revolutionary war era. There is also a Mikva (ritual bath) on the premises. There is also a museum which includes a video presentation about the Jews on the island and in the region. The museum is packed with artifacts and Judaica from this centuries-old house of worship and tells the story of the Sephardic Jews arrival in Bridgetown and the establishment of the Jewish community in Barbados. The small museum intertwines the Jewish history of slavery, industry and the sugar plantations, and the key part they played in the island's lucrative sugar industry. 

Must See

  • The synagogue has been totally restored to its original condition.
  • The museum where one can learn about the fascinating history of the Jewish community in Barbados.
  • The cemetery,  with hundreds of burials, is about 200+ years old.

How to reach

By walk, it will take around 5 minutes and by car, around 3 minutes.

Tips

  • No advance booking required.
  • A traveler should carry water bottles and some snacks as it is a walking tour.
  • Should wear comfortable shoes.
  • Children may not find the place interesting.
  • One should know the proper address before heading towards the location.
  • Do some research before you go.
  • Try less crowded days and times.
  • Leave heavier bags behind at the hotel room and go hands-free.

Visit Time

Sunday:          Closed
Monday:          9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday:         9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday:    9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday:        9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday:            9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday:       Closed

Time Icon

Waiting Time

no

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Synagogue - Free

Museum - Adults - US $12.50 / BDS $25.00
Children - US $6.00 / BDS $12.00 (Kids under 5 years are free) 

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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 hours

 

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Weather

Scattered Clouds 28.27°C

 

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