Touro Synagogue

synagogue, Newport, Rhode Island, United States

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Touro Synagogue, located in Newport, Rhode Island, is the oldest synagogue in the United States, established in 1763. It is a significant landmark of American Judaism and a testament to the religious freedom experienced by early Jewish settlers in the colonies.12

Synagogues, as places of worship for Judaism, have a rich architectural history, often adapting to the styles of their surrounding cultures. Touro Synagogue, with its classical design, reflects the architectural trends of its time and location. It serves as a spiritual and community center, embodying the enduring presence of Jewish life in America.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Newport
…Washington Square; Trinity Church (1725–26); Touro Synagogue (1763), the oldest in America, founded by Spanish and Portuguese Jews and designated a national historic site in 1946; the Redwood Library and Athenaeum (1747); and the Artillery Company of Newport (chartered 1741) Military Museum, with a notable collection of military uniforms. The…
Read More
…Washington Square; Trinity Church (1725–26); Touro Synagogue (1763), the oldest in America, founded by Spanish and Portuguese Jews and designated a national historic site in 1946; the Redwood Library and Athenaeum (1747); and the Artillery Company of Newport (chartered 1741) Military Museum, with a notable collection of military uniforms. The…
Read More

Rhode Island
Cultural institutions
…Museum, with its fine collections; Touro Synagogue National Historic Site (1763), the oldest synagogue in the country and a magnificent example of colonial architecture; Newport Colony House (1739); Hunter House; and the restored colonial homes of the Point section.
Read More
…Museum, with its fine collections; Touro Synagogue National Historic Site (1763), the oldest synagogue in the country and a magnificent example of colonial architecture; Newport Colony House (1739); Hunter House; and the restored colonial homes of the Point section.
Read More