Jewish Ghetto: Where the Oldest Romans Live

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Isola Tiberina, Rome Italy

The area of the Ghetto is the heart of the oldest jewish community out of Israel, dating back to the second century B.C. and the best example of historical continuity in Rome. In the roman age religious discrimination was inconceivable, but this started in the Middle Ages and led finally to segregation in 1555 under Pope Paul IV. The tour will reveal the original settlement in the area of Trastevere across the river and how the Tiberine Island, a healing place in the pagan and Christian era, hosted as well a jewish hospital still active nowadays.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Ghetto Ebraico, Piazza delle Cinque Scole, 00186 Rome Italy

You will then cross the river and get to the area called the “Ghetto”, surrounded by walls and closed by gates. There lived until 1870 more than 5000 jews in miserable housings covering the ruins of a majestic square, the Porticus of Octavia, and the gigantic Theatre of Marcellus. Augustus inaugurated the 12,000-seats monument in 17 B.C. but in the Middle Ages it turned into a massive castle.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Teatro di Marcello, Via Del Teatro De Marcello, Rome Italy

Augustus inaugurated the 12,000-seats monument in 17 B.C. but in the Middle Ages it turned into a massive castle.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Museo Ebraico di Roma, Lungotevere De' Cenci 15 (Sinagoga), 00186 Rome Italy

You will have the opportunity to visit the modern Synagogue and its Museum where local guides or audioguides will illustrate the story of Rome’s jewish community and its tragic destiny of persecution during the Second World War.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Fontana delle Tartarughe, Piazza Mattei, Rome Italy

The tour will end in the fascinating Mattei square by the wonderful fountain of the Turtles, a Renaissance masterpiece of Giacomo della Porta completed by Bernini.

Duration: 30 minutes