The 12-columned interior of America’s oldest synagogue remains virtually unchanged since its completion in 1763. Visitors enter the synagogue through the Loeb Visitors Center, where the history of the religious site and Newport’s Jewish community is shown through a series of exhibits. A highlight is a letter from George Washington to the congregation, written in 1790. A few guided sightseeing tours pass by the synagogue, but if you’d like to tour the site with the insight of a local guide, consider booking a private tour.
An excellent on-site visitor center makes the synagogue a must-visit for anyone interested in Newport history.
Guided tours of the synagogue last about 30 minutes and begin at the John L. Loeb Visitors Center, located on Spring Street.
The synagogue is not wheelchair accessible, and there are no public restrooms on-site.
Parking for the Touro Synagogue is at the Newport Gateway Visitors Center. From here, it’s a short walk through colonial Newport. Visitors can also take the Newport Trolley to the synagogue.
The synagogue and visitor center are open to visitors Sunday to Friday from early May through late October. During the winter months (November to April), the facility is only open on Sundays. No tours are offered on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
After seeing the Touro Synagogue, head a bit further down the street for a visit to the serene Old Jewish Cemetery. Only 39 graves mark the nation’s second-oldest Jewish cemetery, which is famously featured in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s work, “The Jewish Cemetery at Newport.”
