Rome: A Journey Through Jewish History

The Rome Ghetto: A Historical Heart

• Established in 1555 by Pope Paul IV, the Rome Ghetto is the oldest ghetto in Europe. This forced segregation of Jews aimed to isolate them from the Christian population and forcibly convert them to Catholicism. Confined to this neighborhood, the Jews of Rome lived for centuries in difficult conditions, subject to religious and economic restrictions.
• This creation took place in a historical context marked by antisemitism and the Catholic Church’s desire to control all religions present in its territory.
• Today, although the ghetto walls have been demolished, its history deeply marks the neighborhood and testifies to the long Jewish presence in Rome.
• Today, it is a vibrant neighborhood where history intertwines with modernity.

Learn all about the Rome Ghetto

The Great Synagogue: A Masterpiece of Neo-Byzantine Architecture

• The Great Synagogue of Rome (Tempio Maggiore) is one of the most iconic monuments of the city’s Jewish community. **Opened in 1904**, it stands out for its imposing neo-Byzantine architecture, with **Oriental and Renaissance influences**. Located in the Ghetto district, the synagogue is a symbol of the resilience and history of the Roman Jewish community. Inside, a **splendid interior** and a dome-shaped ceiling provide a grand setting for prayer.
• It also houses a **Jewish Museum** that traces over **two thousand years of Jewish history** in Rome, from antiquity to the contemporary period, with liturgical objects, manuscripts, and exhibitions that bear witness to the rich culture of this community.

Learn everything about the Jewish Museum of the Great Synagogue

The Stolpersteine

• These small, brass plaques embedded in the pavement honor the **memory of Jews deported** and murdered during the Holocaust.

Plan a Guided Tour

• If you want to learn more about Jewish history and culture in Rome, a guided tour can be an excellent option. Experienced guides will show you the key sites in the neighborhood and provide you with valuable historical and cultural context.

Jewish Festivals

• If you are lucky enough to visit Rome during a Jewish festival, you will be able to attend traditional celebrations.

Taste the Culinary Specialties

• The neighborhood is brimming with traditional restaurants serving typical dishes of Roman Jewish cuisine. Try specialties like **carciofi alla giudia** (fried artichokes in the Jewish style) and **local pastries**. Take your time strolling through the narrow streets and exploring restaurants and markets.

Meet the Community

• Feel free to interact with members of the local Jewish community for a **deeper immersion**.

Walking Around

• The Jewish quarter, or Ghetto, is relatively **small** and **very pleasant** to explore on foot. It is located **near the Tiber River**, next to the Trastevere neighborhood, which makes it easy to discover its narrow streets, picturesque squares, and artisan shops.

Respecting traditions and places of worship

• The neighborhood still has an active Jewish community. Be **respectful** of places of worship, especially during **prayer times**. It is also advisable to wear **appropriate attire** when visiting the synagogue or museum.

Allow time for wandering

• The Ghetto is a place where it is pleasant to get lost in the narrow streets and **absorb the unique atmosphere**. Take your time to discover the small shops, art galleries, and local cafes.

Plan ahead

• Some attractions, like the synagogue and museum, may have reduced hours or closures during religious holidays. It’s always helpful to check the schedules before you go.