A Self-Guided History Tour of Rome's Jewish Ghetto

5.0 (1 reviews) Rome, Italy
Duration1h - 1h 15m
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Embark on a self-guided journey through Rome's intricate Jewish history with professor and Context Travel expert, Andrew Kranis.

Trace the steps of Jews from Ostia's first synagogue to the designated area in 1555. Explore the Jewish Ghetto, Isola Tiberina, and Trastevere, unraveling tales of oppression, forced conversions, and memorials to Holocaust victims. Learn about Stolpersteine, witness ancient structures like the Portico of Octavia, and delve into the ghetto's construction.
Savor Jewish-Italian delights at Pasticceria Boccione and Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti. Visit la Vecchia Sinagoga, cross historic bridges, and conclude at Piazza Sidney Sonnino. Discover the Shoah Museum and the Jewish Museum of Rome, or indulge in kosher cuisine at Da Gigetto. This tour illuminates Rome's Jewish heritage and architectural nuances and invites you to relish in kosher delicacies.

The ideal time of day for the tour is from 10 AM to 7 PM.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

What to expect

  1. Pass by
    Start your exploration of Rome's Jewish history in the picturesque Piazza Mattei, in front of the iconic Turtle Fountain. As the journey unfolds, discover the symbolic significance of this landmark and its connection to the city's rich cultural tapestry.
  2. Pasticceria Boccione
    Pass by
    Stroll past Pasticceria Boccione, a historic bakery in the Jewish Ghetto. Immerse yourself in the scents of Jewish-Italian delicacies, and consider pausing for a delightful kosher snack, savoring the flavors that have endured through generations.
  3. Pass by
    As you traverse the streets, pass by Piazza delle Cinque Scole. Absorb the historical ambiance and gain insights into the multifaceted layers of Jewish life that unfolded in this designated area over the centuries.
  4. The Portico of Octavia
    Pass by
    Gaze upon the ancient Portico of Octavia, an enduring Roman structure that stands as a testament to the historic exposure of the Jewish Ghetto to the Tiber River's currents. Understand its role in shaping the architectural narrative of the area.
  5. Tempio Maggiore di Roma
    Pass by
    Pass by Tempio Maggiore, the central administrative headquarters for Rome's Jewish community. Admire its modern place of worship, reflecting the enduring spirit of the community in the heart of the city.
  6. Pass by
    Wander past San Gregorio della Divina Pietà, a church that carries echoes of the historical antagonism against the Jewish residents in the Trastevere neighborhood. Delve into the complex relationship between religious spaces and community dynamics.
  7. Isola Tiberina
    Pass by
    Cross over Isola Tiberina, a captivating island in the Tiber River. Explore its historical significance and its connection to Rome's Jewish community, reflecting the city's diverse cultural tapestry.
  8. Pass by
    Walk across the ancient Ponte Fabricio and Ponte Cestio, the oldest crossings over the Tiber River. Feel the echoes of centuries past as you traverse these historic bridges, connecting you to Rome's enduring heritage.
  9. Pass by
    Encounter Vecchia Sinagoga, the oldest synagogue in Rome dating back to the 10th century. As you pass by, envision the centuries of Jewish life and heritage embedded in its walls.
  10. Pass by
    Stroll past Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti, another renowned bakery in the Jewish Ghetto. Consider indulging in a delightful kosher snack, savoring the flavors that echo the culinary traditions of the community.
  11. Pass by
    End your journey in Piazza Sidney Sonnino, reflecting on the complexities of Rome's Jewish history. The tour's end offers a moment of contemplation and a deeper understanding of the enduring spirit of the Jewish community in the heart of Rome.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour begins at the Turtle Fountain, or Fontana delle Tartarughe in Piazza Mattei. You can take the line A metro to Crico Massimo Station, then continue on tram 8 till the Trastevere stop. If you're travelling by bus, you can take the 40, 64, 70, 170, 492, 781 and 766 buses.

End point

The tour ends at Piazza Sidney Sonnino.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

5.0 (1)
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