Best of Jewish Rome

The Jewish Ghetto Tour Experience

One of the most unexpected attractions in Rome is the Jewish Ghetto, a collection of ruins dating back to the 1500s. Commonly known as the Roman Ghetto, this fascinating area of Rome offers glimpses into the history and culture of the Roman Empire. The melting together of two cultures is evident in the architecture and design of the Jewish Ghetto, and your guide will draw your attention to many of the area’s most interesting details.

Jewish Ghetto

Established in 1555 by the order of Pope Paul VI, the Roman Ghetto was home to Rome’s small Jewish population for three centuries. With a large wall and gates that were locked at night, Rome’s Jewish residents were segregated from the city as a means of discrimination; however, the Jews also welcomed the ghetto as a means of protection from angry Christian mobs. The residents of the Jewish Ghetto lived in crushing poverty and isolation: so isolated that they developed their own Roman dialect that included a variety of Romanized words from the Hebrew language.

Great Synagogue

The most significant building in the Jewish Ghetto is the Great Synagogue, a majestic structure that occupies almost a quarter of the ghetto itself. The synagogue was completed in 1904, just over 30 years after the Papal States were eliminated and Rome’s Jewish residents were granted citizenship. In addition to being an active house of worship, the synagogue is home to an impressive gallery with artifacts from over two millennia of Jewish life in Rome. From parchment scrolls to eating utensils, this museum provides a thorough view into the history and culture of Rome’s Jewish population.

Teatro Marcello

Also prominent in the area of the Roman Ghetto is the Teatro Marcello, an open-air theater that was built in the eras of Julius and Augustus Caesar. Completed in 13 BC, the theater remains in impressive condition and looks similar to Rome’s more famous Colosseum. The theater’s columns will be familiar to Greek architecture enthusiasts as they demonstrate both the Ionic and Doric orders of Greek classical architecture.

A Premiere Jewish Ghetto Experience

We understand the needs and interests of elite travelers, many of who visit Italy for the chance to go “off the beaten path.” Our Jewish Ghetto tour provides an in-depth look at the fascinating culture of Rome’s Jewish population, with interesting facts about the area’s history, architecture, and preservation. Three hours will fly by as you visit ruins of 16th century Rome and the neighborhood’s impressive synagogue.