Touro Synagogue National Historic Site

Founded in 1658 by more than a dozen Jewish families, primarily refugees from Spain and Portugal, the Touro Synagogue National Historic Site stands as a testament to Newport’s rich Sephardic heritage. A century after its establishment, British-Colonial architect Peter Harrison designed the two-story Palladian structure, which features a symmetrical facade and elegant proportions. Today, the synagogue continues to serve the local Jewish community, offering visitors a glimpse into the enduring legacy of one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the United States.