Resources

Here you will find links to archives, databases, and organizations for researching the history, culture, and heritage of Portuguese Jews.

Anusim Project

The Anusim Project provides resources, community, and support for descendants of forced converts (anusim / B’nei Anusim) from Iberia and elsewhere who are reconnecting with Jewish heritage. It offers genealogical guidance, educational materials, and connections to Jewish communities and organizations that work with people exploring their Sephardic roots.

Torre do Tombo (ANTT) — Digitized Records

The official Portuguese National Archives, Arquivo Nacional Torre do Tombo, has digitized a significant portion of the Tribunal do Santo Ofício (Inquisition) records. How to search: Use the search function for Inquisição de Lisboa, Inquisição de Coimbra, Inquisição de Évora, or Inquisição de Goa. Processos: The series "028" within the tribunals often contains the processos (individual trial files), with many digital images linked directly.

Goa Inquisition Specific Records

While the bulk of Goa's archive was lost, the remaining records (1564–1807) are found at the Torre do Tombo. A specialized database containing records of 8,250 defendants judged by the Goa Inquisition (1650–1812) is available via the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) (Domus project). Some Goa documentation (10 volumes) was sent to the National Library of Rio de Janeiro; these are digitized. Lists of the Portuguese Inquisition (Volume II) specifically covers Évora (1542–1763) and Goa (1650–1653).

JewishGen Portugal Database

A useful database for searching Inquisition trials, particularly for those with Sephardic ancestry.

e-Inquisition (OpenEdition)

A project focused on transcribing court records of the Portuguese Inquisition (1536–1821).

Western Sephardic Diaspora Roadmap

Offers direct access points and, in some cases, links to digital copies of Inquisition records.

Genealogia FB

A blog containing indexes for many locations, often used for finding references to Inquisition documents.

The Society for Crypto–Judaic Studies (SCJS)

Fosters the research of the historical and contemporary development of crypto–Jews of Iberian origin. Additionally, it provides a venue for the descendants of crypto–Jews, scholars, and other interested parties to network and discuss pertinent issues.

Isaac Cardoso Center for Interpretation of Jewish Culture in Trancoso

Named after the doctor Isaac Cardoso, who lived in the 17th century in Trancoso, this Centre pays tribute to his work of preservation of the Jewish past. There is a small synagogue, Beit Mayim Hayim, a temporary exhibition space and the small garden in the ruins of the former building with sculpted cruciform and Hebrew marks in the stone. Visitors of Isaac Cardoso Interpretation Centre can access the archives of the 700 Jews who were born and lived in Trancoso, persecuted by the Inquisition.

S&P Central — Information Hub for Spanish & Portuguese Jewish Communities

A volunteer effort by S&P Central devoted to sharing information, interest and a sense of connection among Spanish & Portuguese Jewish communities around the world—also known as Western Sephardim. With their special history, minhag, melodies, and cuisine, it is hoped that S&P and related communities will know more of one another and be able to share their knowledge and love of our mutual traditions.

Rede de Judiarias de Portugal — Network of Jewish Quarters of Portugal

The Network of Jewish Quarters in Portugal was established in April 2011 to encourage the rehabilitation of historic city centers and promote cultural tourism history.

Centre for Sephardic Studies and Culture at the University of Lisbon

Sephardic Studies in a scientific institution under the Faculty of Arts, University of Lisbon, which aims at boosting the historical research around the Sephardic communities of Portuguese origin.