Guided Tour
A tour of the elegant Georgian interior by Peter Harrison, with its twelve columns and balcony.
Touro Synagogue
The oldest synagogue building in the United States, dedicated in 1763 in Newport, and the congregation to which George Washington wrote his famous letter on religious freedom.
Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, dedicated in 1763, is the oldest synagogue building in the United States. Its congregation, founded by Sephardic Jews in a colony that welcomed people of every faith, still worships here.
In 1790 George Washington wrote to the congregation that the new government 'gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance', one of the founding statements of American religious freedom. The letter is read here every August.
- Best Time
- May–October
- Time Needed
- 1 hour
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Tours on most days except Saturdays; check tourosynagogue.org for times
- Getting There
- In downtown Newport, about 90 minutes from Boston and 40 minutes from Providence.
What to See
0 of 2 are freeLoeb Visitors Center
Exhibits on the congregation, colonial Newport and the Washington letter.
Know Before You Go
- Visits are by guided tour, which start at the Loeb Visitors Center.
- Closed for tours on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Where to Stay
Stay in Newport or visit from Providence.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-10-31. Part of the Northeast list.