Mikvé Israel-Emanuel, founded by Sephardic Jews, is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Americas, famous for the white sand covering its floor.
Dating to the 1730s, the synagogue is a serene, beautiful space a few minutes' walk from the hotel. The sand floor recalls both the desert of the Exodus and the muffled footsteps of Jews practising in secret during the Inquisition.
A small museum next door tells the story of Curaçao's historic Jewish community
Modest dress is appreciated for visits.
- Collection
- Willemstad & Punda
- In the series
- No. 35 of 105
- From the hotel
- 3 min on foot
- Good to know
- 3 notes
- Questions
- 1 answered
- Read
- 2 min
Good to know
- The sand floor is the highlight, ask a guide about its meaning.
- Visit the adjoining Jewish Cultural Museum.
- Dress modestly out of respect for the active congregation.
Questions & answers
Why does the synagogue have a sand floor?
The sand symbolises the desert of the Exodus and recalls the muffled footsteps of Jews who worshipped secretly during the Spanish Inquisition.